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Police Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of New York

Photographer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York ... The Photographic Squad handles work of ordinary technical difficulty and responsibility in the vast ...

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD

Company Description The Huron Police Department provides police and dispatch services to a ... photograph evidence, and contact responsible parties; issues notices, tickets, and enforces ...

Huron Police Department

Police Officer

Huron, SD · On-site

Company Description The Huron Police Department provides police and dispatch services to a ... photograph evidence, and contact responsible parties; issues notices, tickets, and enforces ...

Harper College

Police Officer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$63K - $75K/yr

Processes arrestees by taking photographs, obtaining fingerprints, and writing arrest reports ... The Police Officer is directly supervised by Deputy Chief and Chief of Police, Harper College ...

University of Kansas Medical Center

$250/hr

Police OfficerSkip to main content# University of Kansas Medical CenterPolice Officer page is ... Collects, marks, photographs, and secures evidence and contraband.* Operates audio and video ...

City of Albuquerque

Police Service Aide

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$38K/yr

Police Service Aids are encouraged to proceed into the sworn rank. Police Service Aids are ... Photograph non-violent crime scenes and evidence utilizing macro and micro-photographic techniques.

U-City

Police Officer

University City, MO · On-site

Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, the enforcement of laws and ... Photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes and interview principals and eyewitnesses.

City of Forest Park

SR. POLICE OFFICER

Forest Park, GA · On-site

$58K - $73K/yr

... police reports, statistical data, GCIC/NCIC bulletins, BOLO notices, pawn shop transaction records ... makes photographic records, and creates sketches/diagrams of crime scenes and evidence; locates ...

Universities of Wisconsin

Police Officer I

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$28.08/hr

Police Officer I Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Police ... Knowledge of evidence preservation techniques including photography and other standard evidence ...

Wisconsin

Police Officer I

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$28.08/hr

Police Officer I Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile: Police ... Knowledge of evidence preservation techniques including photography and other standard evidence ...

Town of Leland

Police Officer

Leland, NC · On-site

$61K - $76K/yr

Investigates crime scenes; documents them by sketching, photography, and making notes. * Integrates and aligns with Leland Police Department mission, vision, and values and Town of Leland core values.

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How much do police photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for police photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police photographer?

Police photographers are specialized professionals who capture photographic evidence at crime scenes, accident sites, and during investigations. Their work helps document crucial details that may be used in court or during the investigative process. They are trained to photograph scenes methodically, ensuring images are clear, properly scaled, and admissible as evidence. Police photographers often work closely with law enforcement officers and forensic teams to ensure that all relevant visual information is accurately preserved.

What does a police photographer do?

A police photographer takes pictures during crime investigations. In this role, you capture images throughout a crime scene to record evidence or other visual information that detectives can use during their investigation. Your responsibilities can vary, depending on the procedures of the department in which you work. Crime scene investigators may collect or locate evidence and then direct a photographer to take pictures of specific items or areas within the crime scene. Some photographers also collect measurement, location, and description data while they take photos. In some instances, a photographer may not take directions from other personnel, but conduct their duties according to their department's crime scene processing procedures. Your photos must provide context for the evidence, close up images, and overall crime scene images. Many police photographers also process their own film to avoid potential contamination.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Photographer, you need expertise in photography, forensic evidence documentation, and a solid understanding of crime scene procedures, often supported by specialized training or certification in forensic photography. Proficiency with digital cameras, photo editing software, and evidence management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, discretion, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills for accurately documenting sensitive evidence and collaborating with law enforcement teams. These skills ensure that photographic evidence is reliable, admissible in court, and supports effective criminal investigations.

What are common challenges faced by police photographers during crime scene documentation?

Police photographers often work in unpredictable and sometimes hazardous environments, which can make capturing clear and comprehensive images challenging. Adverse weather conditions, low lighting, and the presence of sensitive evidence require the use of specialized equipment and techniques. Additionally, maintaining the integrity of the evidence while working quickly and efficiently is crucial, as is adhering to strict chain-of-custody protocols. Effective communication with investigators and other law enforcement personnel is also essential to ensure all necessary evidence is thoroughly documented.

What is the difference between Police Photographer vs Crime Scene Photographer?

AspectPolice PhotographerCrime Scene Photographer
CredentialsPhotography certification, law enforcement trainingPhotography certification, forensic training
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, forensic labs, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsForensic units, crime labs, law enforcement agencies

Police Photographers and Crime Scene Photographers both work within law enforcement, capturing images for investigations. Police Photographers focus on documenting scenes, evidence, and incidents, often working directly with police officers. Crime Scene Photographers specialize in detailed forensic imaging of crime scenes, often requiring additional forensic training. While their roles overlap, Crime Scene Photographers typically have more specialized forensic skills, but both roles are essential for criminal investigations.

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What states have the most Police Photographer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Photographer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Police Photographer jobs?

For Police Photographer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Police Photographer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Photographer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Photographer

Manhattan, NY • On-site

City of New York
Public Administration • 10K+ employees
Learn more about City of New Yorkexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

628th of 857 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Job Description

The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order. The New York City Police Department strives to foster a safe and fair city through the strategic deployment of resources, focusing on both crime prevention and addressing quality-of-life concerns while building lasting community relationships.
The Photographic Squad handles work of ordinary technical difficulty and responsibility in the vast field of still photography.
The job role includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- performing digital photography by utilizing a camera and computer;
- photograph official events;
- take and process portraits;
- mugshot photography and process prints in color lab.
WORK LOCATION:
1 Police Plaza, N.Y.
WORK SCHEDULE(S):
1600X2400 hrs
0800X1600 hrs
PHOTOGRAPHER - 90610

Qualifications

1. Three years of full-time paid satisfactory experience acquired within the last ten years as a professional photographer; or
2. An associate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including or supplemented by 12 credits in photography, and two years of full-time paid satisfactory experience as described in "1" above; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, accredited by regional, national, professional, or specialized agencies recognized as accrediting bodies by the U.S. Secretary of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), including or supplemented by 24 credits in photography, and one year of full-time paid satisfactory experience as described in "1" above.
Note: Experience in film and camera sales is not acceptable. Experience as an amateur photographer such as that acquired in a hobby or leisure time activity is not acceptable.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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