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Police Psychology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Psychologist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Assists high level Police management in developing organizational and stress management systems for ... D. in Psychology Two (2) years of experience in clinical psychology. No substitution for education ...

Police Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$86K/yr

The psychological exam will occur online and require the use of a desktop or laptop computer ... Police Retirement Act, which requires an officer to separate/retire from the USCP by age 57, but as ...

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Police Officer

Heyburn, ID · On-site

$27 - $28.35/hr

Pass employment-based polygraph, drug testing and psychological exam * Preferred: possess a minimum ... Police Training Officer (Field Training), Breath Testing Specialist, Firearms Instructor ...

Police Recruit

Tustin, CA · On-site

$38.03/hr

A pre-employment medical, psychological evaluation AND a drug screen will be conducted upon a ... Once appointed to a sworn Police Officer position, successful completion of the Department's field ...

... of police; psychological evaluation; doctor's physical and drug testing) 6. Virginia Law Enforcement Basic Certification required within 1 year of employment 7. Must not have any conviction for a ...

... of police; psychological evaluation; doctor's physical and drug testing) 6. Virginia Law Enforcement Basic Certification required within 1 year of employment 7. Must not have any conviction for a ...

Applicants must have the capacity both mentally and physically to perform the essential duties of a Gardena Police Officer as determined by a qualified psychologist and/or medical examiner. LICENSE ...

Police Officer

University City, MO · On-site

$26.06 - $33.82/hr

Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, the enforcement of laws and ... Written Test, Oral Interview Board, Psychological Assessment, Medical Examination/Drug Screening ...

Police Officers are responsible for maintaining law and order, the enforcement of laws and ... Written Test, Oral Interview Board, Psychological Assessment, Medical Examination/Drug Screening ...

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Police Psychology information

See salary details

$41.5K

$87.6K

$137K

How much do police psychology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for police psychology in the United States is $87,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $105,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is police psychology?

Police psychology is a specialized field within psychology focused on supporting law enforcement personnel and agencies. It involves the application of psychological principles to help with recruitment, assessment, stress management, crisis intervention, and consultation on cases involving mental health or criminal behavior. Police psychologists may also provide counseling to officers and their families, and assist in developing training programs to improve officer well-being and performance. Their work helps law enforcement agencies function more effectively and maintain the mental health of their staff.

How do police psychologists typically collaborate with law enforcement officers in their daily work?

Police psychologists regularly work alongside law enforcement officers by providing counseling, conducting psychological evaluations, and assisting with crisis intervention. They may lead training sessions on stress management, de-escalation techniques, and mental health awareness. Close collaboration is also required during critical incidents, where psychologists support officers’ well-being and offer guidance to command staff. This role often involves both one-on-one support and broader departmental initiatives to promote psychological resilience and organizational health.

What are the 4 domains of police psychology?

Police psychology encompasses four primary domains: assessment and selection, operational support, organizational consultation, and crisis intervention. Professionals in this field apply psychological principles to improve officer performance, mental health, and organizational effectiveness. Certification from organizations like the American Board of Police and Public Safety Psychology is often pursued to demonstrate expertise.

Can you work with the police with a psychology degree?

A psychology degree can qualify you for various roles within law enforcement, such as police psychologist, behavioral analyst, or crisis intervention specialist. These positions often require additional training, certification, or a license, and involve working directly with police departments to assess, support, or train officers and suspects.

What is the difference between Police Psychology vs Forensic Psychology?

AspectPolice PsychologyForensic Psychology
CredentialsTypically requires a doctoral degree in psychology, licensure, and specialized training in law enforcement settingsRequires a doctoral degree, licensure, and training in legal and criminal justice systems
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, police departments, crisis intervention teamsCourts, correctional facilities, law firms, criminal investigations
Employer & IndustryPolice departments, federal agencies, law enforcement organizationsCourts, correctional institutions, legal firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonPolice PsychologyForensic Psychology

Police Psychology focuses on supporting law enforcement personnel, assessing their mental health, and improving police operations. Forensic Psychology, on the other hand, applies psychological principles to legal issues, including criminal behavior and court cases. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and primary functions differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Police Psychologist, you need advanced training in psychology (typically a doctoral degree), state licensure, and specialized knowledge of law enforcement environments. Familiarity with assessment tools, crisis intervention techniques, and psychological evaluation systems is essential. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set outstanding professionals apart. These qualifications enable effective support for officers, informed evaluations, and the promotion of mental wellness within high-stress law enforcement settings.

Does the FBI hire psychologists?

Yes, the FBI hires psychologists to work in roles such as Behavioral Analysts and Special Agents with psychology backgrounds. These positions often require relevant education, security clearances, and experience in mental health assessment and criminal behavior analysis.

What does a police psychologist do?

A police psychologist assesses and supports law enforcement personnel by evaluating mental health, providing counseling, and assisting with stress management. They also help in criminal investigations by profiling suspects and offering insights into behavioral patterns, often working closely with police departments and using psychological testing tools.
More about Police Psychology jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Psychology jobs? Cities with the most Police Psychology job openings:
What states have the most Police Psychology jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Psychology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Psychology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,613 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Police Psychologist

City of San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$85K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary: $85,896.20 - $128,844.30 Annually
Location : 12200 SE LOOP 410 SAN ANTONIO,TX 78221, TX
Job Type: 4C Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-00899
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Closing Date: 7/16/2026 12:26 AM Central
Grant Funded: No
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Summary
Under administrative direction, is responsible for performing in-house psychological services to SAPD officers, supervisors, administration, and families. Assesses the suitability of applicants to the Department. Assists high level Police management in developing organizational and stress management systems for Police personnel. Consults in crisis intervention incidents requiring psychological services. Working conditions are primarily in an office environment. Subject to work in a highly stressful environment, under intense life-threatening conditions. Work includes exposure to dangerous persons, firearms, bodily fluids, and noise. Exercises direction and indirect functional supervision over assigned staff.
This position is an "unclassified" position and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason.
Work Location
Police Training Academy - 12200 SE Loop 410, San Antonio, TX (78221)
Work Hours
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. On-Call and after hours based on business needs.
Essential Job Functions
  • Administers and participates in the evaluation of psychological examinations for entry level public safety personnel (i.e. Police and Fire applicants).
  • Develops stress management programs for public safety personnel and their families, to include Firefighters, Police Officers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and supervisory and management personnel.
  • Makes referrals and conducts follow-up evaluations on individuals identified as needing long-term therapy.
  • Conducts counseling and interviews on a short-term basis to gain insight into personal problems.
  • Collects data about individuals through the use of interviews, case history, observation techniques, and testing.
  • Evaluates data to identify causes of problems of individuals and to determine advisability of counseling or referral to other specialists.
  • Follows-up results of counseling to determine reliability and validity of treatment used.
  • Conducts training for new public safety personnel, supervisors, and managers.
  • Coordinates peer counseling program.
  • Administers alcohol and drug prevention and referral programs.
  • Visits public safety facilities (i.e. Fire Stations, Police Substations) to observe and make recommendations for reducing stress.
  • Works with the Chief, training staff, supervisors, managers, and committees to develop a comprehensive stress management program for the department.
  • Develops and coordinates other programs related to an effective stress management program (i.e. working with SWAT to train officers in hostage situations, Fire Department Trauma Debriefing Programs).
  • May do research to develop and improve diagnostic and counseling techniques.
  • Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Ph.D. in Psychology.
  • Two (2) years of experience in clinical psychology.
  • No substitution for education allowed.
  • Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
  • License or licensable as a Psychologist under the Texas State Licensing Law.
  • Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience working with law enforcement.
  • Experience working with children.
  • Experience in pre-employment psychological testing.

Applicant Information
  • Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
  • Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
  • If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of organizational psychology.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention.
  • Knowledge of statistical analysis.
  • Knowledge of research methods and design.
  • Knowledge of procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a stress management program.
  • Knowledge of recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to stress management.
  • Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.
  • Knowledge of standard program evaluation methods and report writing procedures.
  • Skill in utilizing a personal computer and associated software programs.
  • Skill in operating a police radio. Skill in operating hostage communication equipment.
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
  • Ability to assess individual needs and design, develop, and implement a program or course of action suited to that of the individual's needs.
  • Ability to analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff and the general public, to include Police Officers, Firefighters, supervisors, administrators, association members, and their families.
  • Ability to interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.

Benefits Information
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.
For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio:
Note:
  • Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits.
  • Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information
The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.
If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.
01
Are you a current regular full time or part time CoSA employee?
  • Yes - I am a Full Time City Employee.
  • Yes - I am a Part Time City Employee.
  • No - I am not a Full Time or Part Time City Employee.

02
Are you a veteran or active member of the armed forces?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Are you a San Antonio Ready to Work Program (SAR2W) or Train for Jobs San Antonio Program (TfJSA) participant?
  • Yes - SA Ready to Work Program
  • Yes - Train for Jobs SA Program
  • Yes - Both Programs
  • No

04
What best describes your highest level of education at the end of the current semester?
  • Some High School
  • High School Diploma or GED recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency
  • 30+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • 60+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • 90+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • 120+ completed semester hours (credits) from an accredited college or university
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
  • PhD, JD, or other Post Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university
  • None of the above

05
Do you have a PH.D. in Psychology?
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

07
Do you have a License or are you licensable as a Psychologist under the Texas State Licensing Law?
  • Yes
  • No

08
If you are a licensed psychologist in another state, what state(s) are you licensed in?
09
How many years of experience do you have in clinical psychology?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years +

10
How many years of experience do you have working with law enforcement?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years +

11
How many years of experience do you have working with children?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years +

12
How many years of experience do you have in pre-employment psychological testing?
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 years +

13
Please describe your experience with pre-employment psychological testing. If you do not have experience answer, N/A.
14
Please describe your experience working with law enforcement. If you do not have experience, answer N/A.
15
I acknowledge for this position I must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: 1) Felony Convictions, 2) Felony Deferred Adjudication, 3) Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, 4) Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, 5) Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and 5) Family Violence Convictions.
  • I acknowledge.

16
I acknowledge that this position is an "unclassified" position and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason.
  • I acknowledge.

17
I understand that if I have a need for a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment and interview process, I can contact the Human Resources Department at AskHR@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-8705. I further understand that if an accommodation is necessary to perform the position for which I have applied, I can contact HR after an offer has been extended.
  • I acknowledge.

Required Question