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Police Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNIC Careers

POLICE OFFICER

Seal Beach, 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

CNIC Careers

POLICE OFFICER

Port Hueneme, 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 Chino, CA

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:

US Legislative Branch

Police Officer

Washington, DC

$72K/yr

OR Successful completion of a full 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. OR A combination of ...

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 ...

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

Town of Granby

Chief of Police

Granby, CO · On-site

$126K - $182K/yr

Bachelor's degree in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice, public administration or a closely related field. * Seven years of experience in police work, three years of which must be ...

City of Pelham, AL

Certified Police Officer

Pelham, AL · On-site

$63K - $90K/yr

Completion of some college or university course work in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Police Science, Criminology, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.

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 ...

Government Publishing Office

Police Officer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$72K - $114K/yr

OR Successful completion of a full 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. OR A combination of ...

New

City of Manitowoc, WI

Police Officer

Manitowoc, WI · On-site

$5.5K - $6.8K/mo

Associate Degree in Police Science or relevant Bachelor's Degree from accredited university or college, or 60 semester hours undergraduate credits from accredited university or college in Law ...

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Police Science information

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$21K

$63.3K

$153K

How much do police science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for police science in the United States is $63,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Police Science, and why are they important?

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 does Police Science do?

Police Science involves applying scientific methods and techniques to law enforcement, including crime scene investigation, forensic analysis, and evidence collection. Professionals in this field use tools like fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and surveillance to support criminal investigations and ensure public safety.

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 I do with a Police Science degree?

A Police Science degree prepares individuals for careers in law enforcement, such as police officer, detective, or crime analyst. It provides knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement procedures, and investigative techniques, often requiring certification or academy training. Graduates can also work in security, forensic analysis, or related fields within the criminal justice system.

What is the highest CSI salary?

Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) salaries vary by experience, location, and employer, but top earners can make over $100,000 annually. Senior CSIs with specialized skills and certifications in forensic analysis or crime scene reconstruction tend to earn the highest salaries in the field.

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.

How does a police officer use science?

A police science officer uses scientific methods and tools such as fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, ballistics, and crime scene investigation techniques to collect, analyze, and interpret evidence. These skills help solve crimes accurately and support law enforcement efforts. Training in forensic science and the use of specialized equipment are essential components of the job.
More about Police Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Science jobs? Cities with the most Police Science job openings:
What states have the most Police Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Police Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Science jobs are:
Police Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,326 per year, or $30.4 per hour.
POLICE OFFICER

POLICE OFFICER

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Bridgeport, CA

$40K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 46 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:In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to be clear and specific when describing your experience.
GS-06: Your resume must also demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the GS-05 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: responding to calls for police assistance and emergency help, enforcing traffic laws and issuing citations for violations such as speeding; conducting traffic stops and vehicle searches, subduing and restraining individuals, assisting accident victims by providing first aid, and writing reports of incident.
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 demonstrating 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.
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:No substitution of education or training may be made for the required specialized experience at the GS-06 level or above.
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.Employment Type: OTHER

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