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Police Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Chino

Police Recruit

Chino, CA · On-site

$72K - $88K/yr

E.D Supplemental Police Science courses (preferred). Experience: This is an entry level position; no work experience is required. Knowledge of: Criminal justice system. Ability to: Understand and ...

City of Porterville (CA)

Police Lieutenant

Porterville, CA · On-site

$7.8K - $9.5K/mo

Graduation from an accredited college with an Associate's degree in criminal justice, police science or a related fields, currently holding the rank of Police Sergeant or higher and three years at ...

CNIC Careers

POLICE OFFICER

China Lake, CA · On-site

$42K/yr

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in Police Science or a comparable degree program related to the work of the position.Employment Type: OTHER

City of Cathedral City

POLICE CADET

Cathedral City, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

Must maintain a minimum of 6 units per semester in Police Science, Criminal Justice, Administration of Justice or a related field until obtaining an Associate's Degree from an accredited college or ...

City of Milpitas

Police Officer (Lateral)

Milpitas, CA

$138K - $168K/yr

Collect and present evidence using scientific identification techniques and testify in court ... The Lateral Police Officer position requires current law enforcement experience. Education: Sixty ...

City of El Centro, CA

Police Officer

El Centro, CA · On-site

$5.4K/mo

Knowledge of Police science principles. * Knowledge of Police department policies, practices and procedures. * Knowledge of Theories of human behavior. * Knowledge of Federal and state laws, statutes ...

City of Chino

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA

$75K - $91K/yr

D (required); supplemental Police Science courses (preferred). Trainee Requirement: Currently enrolled and actively attending a California POST-certified Police Basic Training Academy; or Graduated ...

City of Chino, CA

Police Academy Trainee

Chino, CA · On-site

$75K - $91K/yr

D (required); supplemental Police Science courses (preferred). Trainee Requirement: * Currently enrolled and actively attending a California POST-certified Police Basic Training Academy; or

City of El Centro (CA)

Police Officer

El Centro, CA

$5.4K/mo

Knowledge of Police science principles. Knowledge of Police department policies, practices and procedures. Knowledge of Theories of human behavior. Knowledge of Federal and state laws, statutes ...

City of Rialto, CA

Police Officer Lateral

Rialto, CA · On-site

$7.2K - $9.7K/mo

High School diploma or equivalent supplemented by course work in police science, criminal justice or a related field. Licenses and Certifications: Must possess a valid California Basic P.O.S.T.

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Police Science information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$62K

$149.8K

How much do police science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for police science in California is $62,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,679.00 and $68,056.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which degree is best for a police science job?

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, police science, or a related field is typically preferred for police science jobs. Some positions may require or prefer a master's degree or specialized certifications, especially for advanced or supervisory roles. Practical experience and knowledge of law enforcement procedures are also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in police science?

To thrive in Police Science, you need a solid understanding of criminal law, investigative techniques, and law enforcement procedures, usually supported by a degree in criminal justice or police science. Familiarity with evidence management systems, forensic technology, and police reporting software is often required. Strong ethical judgment, critical thinking, and effective communication skills are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies are vital for ensuring lawful practices, thorough investigations, and positive community relations within law enforcement.

What is the difference between Police Science vs Criminal Justice?

AspectPolice ScienceCriminal Justice
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Police Science or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Criminal Justice or related field
Work EnvironmentLaw enforcement agencies, police departmentsCourts, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily police departments and law enforcement agenciesCourts, correctional institutions, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for law enforcement careersRelated but broader focus on justice system

Police Science and Criminal Justice share overlapping credentials and work environments, often preparing individuals for careers in law enforcement. Police Science emphasizes practical policing skills, while Criminal Justice covers the broader justice system. Both fields are essential for careers in law enforcement and related sectors, with Police Science more focused on police operations and Criminal Justice on the justice process as a whole.

What is police science?

Police Science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of law enforcement practices, criminal behavior, crime prevention, and the legal system. It combines elements of criminal justice, sociology, psychology, forensic science, and public administration to prepare individuals for careers in policing and related fields. Students in police science programs learn about criminal law, investigation techniques, ethics, community relations, and evidence handling. This field aims to equip future law enforcement professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to serve and protect communities effectively.

What can you do with a police science degree?

A police science degree prepares individuals for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice, and related fields. Graduates can work as police officers, detectives, crime scene investigators, or in roles involving crime analysis and forensic technology, often requiring certification and practical training. The degree provides foundational knowledge of criminal behavior, law enforcement procedures, and investigative techniques.

What is a police science professional?

A police science professional studies law enforcement techniques, criminal behavior, and investigative methods to support crime prevention and investigation. They often work in crime labs, analysis units, or investigative teams, utilizing tools like forensic analysis and criminal profiling. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are typically required for this role.

Is there a degree in police science?

Yes, many police science careers require or prefer a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or police science. These programs typically include coursework in criminal law, investigation techniques, and ethics, and may lead to roles such as police officer, detective, or crime analyst.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in police science roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in police science often encounter challenges such as managing high-stress situations, adapting to evolving technologies in law enforcement, and maintaining effective communication across diverse teams. To address these, ongoing training in stress management techniques, staying updated with technological advancements, and participating in team-building exercises are essential. Additionally, strong mentorship programs and collaboration with other departments can help individuals navigate complex investigations and develop their skills for career advancement.
What are popular job titles related to Police Science jobs in California? For Police Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Police Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Police Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Police Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Police Science job openings:
Police Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,010 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

POLICE OFFICER

US Department of the Navy

Bridgeport, CA

$36K/yr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 379 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will not be accepted through this flyer. Interested applicants must follow the directions in the "How to Apply" section of this flyer to be considered. There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer. Notice of Result letters will not be sent to applicants who respond to this flyer.
Qualifications:GS-05: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-04 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate a knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations; knowledge of law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques; knowledge of maintaining order and protecting life and property. Examples of the specialized experience required at this level must encompasses and/or pertain to one of the following: regulating building access, or conducting security perimeter patrols, or inspecting packages, vehicles or personal belongings prior to admission into controlled areas.
GS-04: Your resume must demonstrate at least six months of general experience that includes experience in administrative, clerical, technical, or military work that involved protecting property, equipment, data, or materials; or that involved making judgments based on the application of directions, rules, regulations, or laws; AND six months of specialized experience that provided knowledge of a body of basic laws and regulations, law enforcement operations, practices, and techniques and involved responsibility for maintaining order and protecting life and property. Creditable specialized experience may have been gained in work on a police force; through service as a military police officer; in work providing visitor protection and law enforcement in parks, forests, or other natural resource or recreational environments; in performing criminal investigative duties; or in other work that provided the required knowledge and skills.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management website: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/police-series-0083/
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:GS-05: Successfully completing a four-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree in Police Science or a comparable degree program related to the work of the position. Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position.
OR
A combination of experience and education as described above that equates to one year of experience. Percentage of the required education plus percentage of the required experience must equal one hundred percent
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Possess a combination of experience and education as described above that equates to 1 year of experience. The percentage of the required education plus the percentage of the required experience equal to 100 percent.
SUBSTITUTION OF TRAINING FOR EXPERIENCE NOTE: Successful completion of a Federal, State, county, or municipal police academy or comparable training course that included at least 40 classroom hours of instruction in police department procedures and methods, and local law and regulations, may be substituted for a maximum of 3 months of specialized experience or 6 months of general experience.
GS-04: In lieu of specialized experience listed in the Qualifications section, applicants may qualify for the position based on education. Education obtained must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. To qualify based on education, applicant must possess:
  • 2 years above high school
Two years of successfully completed study at an accredited school above the high school level with at least 12 semester hours in police administration, police law and evidence, police investigation, criminology, law enforcement, general law, or similar subjects closely related to police work.Employment Type: OTHER

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National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

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Washington, DC, US

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