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Police Undercover Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Schertz, TX · On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

Other duties include testifying in court; and serving in plain clothes/undercover operations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Patrols assigned areas to maintain a visible police presence; searches for ...

Lateral Police Officer

Tumwater, WA · On-site

$98K - $122K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 01/01/2020 General Statement of Duties/Supervision To qualify as a ... and undercover operations, collects evidence; performs stake outs and undercover operations ...

Lateral Police Officer

Frederick, MD · On-site

$71K - $81K/yr

Police Officer - Lateral Job Number: POS-L-2026 Department: Frederick Police Department Division ... assigned. • Perform undercover and surveillance activities • Develop and maintain good ...

Police Officer

New Bern, NC · On-site

$49K - $80K/yr

... undercover; processes crime scenes. May be assigned to special operations or technical support ... Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Some knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; some ...

Lateral Police Officer

Olympia, WA · On-site

$98K - $122K/yr

... and undercover operations, collects evidence; performs stake outs and undercover operations ... Assists in training new police officers and reserve officers in basic patrol functions and related ...

Police Officer

New Bern, NC · On-site

$49K - $80K/yr

New Bern Police Department Division: Police Opening Date: 04/25/2018 Closing Date: Continuous ... Performs follow-up investigations; may work undercover; processes crime scenes. * May be assigned ...

... jail; may perform undercover or plain clothes duties. Participates in a program of public ... Requires successful completion of Police Academy Training Course. Requires possession of a valid ...

Police Officer

Wendell, NC · On-site

$58K - $106K/yr

However, Police Officers hired on higher levels may receive higher pay depending upon ... undercover activity Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a ...

Police Officer

Colleyville, TX · On-site

$6.6K - $7.9K/mo

Conducts specialized undercover investigations as assigned. Responds to emergency calls to protect ... LATERAL ENTRY PROGRAM: Must have 2 years experience as paid full time Police Officer from ...

... undercover meetings. May perform investigations regarding murder, assault, illegal gambling ... Modern police administration principles, practices, and techniques. Law enforcement best practices.

... undercover meetings. • May perform investigations regarding murder, assault, illegal gambling, bookmaking, pornography, prostitution, and human trafficking; conducts surveillance; conducts ...

Police Officer

Nags Head, NC · On-site

$62K/yr

Police Opening Date: 07/14/2026 Summary The Town of Nags Head is accepting applications for the ... Ability to work varied shifts and assignments including undercover activity * Ability to work ...

... undercover activity Ability to work independently without close supervision and as a member of a ... police vehicle; distinguish details and differences when observing people, places, or things on ...

Police Officers generally works one shift per 24-hour period, but will be subject to recall to on ... undercover surveillance, civil defense exercises, rescue operations, marine patrol, and vice raids.

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Showing results 1-20

Police Undercover information

See salary details

$19K

$44.6K

$74K

How much do police undercover jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for police undercover in the United States is $44,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $50,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is it called when you work for the police undercover?

When a police officer works undercover, the role is called an undercover officer or undercover agent. They operate secretly to gather evidence on criminal activities, often requiring specialized training and discretion. This work involves blending into the environment and maintaining confidentiality to succeed in investigations.

What do undercover police officers do?

Undercover police officers work covertly to gather evidence and investigate criminal activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, or organized crime. They often assume false identities, work in dangerous environments, and require skills in surveillance, communication, and discretion to successfully complete their missions.

What are some common challenges faced by police undercover officers, and how can new recruits prepare for them?

Police undercover officers often face challenges such as maintaining their cover identity, managing high-stress situations, and balancing personal safety with investigative objectives. New recruits can prepare by undergoing extensive training in surveillance techniques, communication skills, and stress management. It's also important to have strong support from experienced colleagues and supervisors, as teamwork and debriefing are essential for both operational effectiveness and personal well-being.

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

To thrive as a Police Undercover, you need comprehensive law enforcement training, investigative skills, and typically a police academy certification or equivalent experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, evidence-gathering tools, and secure communication systems is crucial. Exceptional adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build rapport under pressure are vital soft skills. These competencies ensure undercover officers can safely gather intelligence, maintain their cover, and contribute to successful investigations.

What does 4 fingers up mean for cops?

In law enforcement, a gesture of four fingers raised often signifies support for a fallen officer or a specific unit within the police force. Police officers may use hand signals like this during operations or public appearances to communicate solidarity or specific messages discreetly. Understanding such signals can be part of training for undercover officers to maintain safety and coordination.

What are police undercover officers?

Police undercover officers are law enforcement professionals who assume false identities to gather evidence and investigate criminal activity without revealing their true affiliation. They may infiltrate criminal organizations, participate in sting operations, or gather intelligence on illegal activities. Their work is often dangerous and requires specialized training, discretion, and the ability to blend in seamlessly with suspects. The goal of undercover police work is to collect enough evidence to arrest and prosecute offenders while maintaining officer safety.

Is undercover police work legal?

Undercover police work is legal when conducted within the bounds of the law and with proper authorization, such as warrants or departmental policies. Law enforcement agencies follow strict regulations to ensure undercover operations do not violate citizens' rights or laws. Officers involved typically receive specialized training and operate under oversight to maintain legality and ethical standards.

What is the difference between Police Undercover vs Police Detective?

AspectPolice UndercoverPolice Detective
CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, possibly additional detective training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, operating covertly in various settingsInvestigative settings, offices, crime scenes, interviews
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, primarily in criminal investigationsLaw enforcement agencies, criminal investigations, case solving
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding covert roles in policingInvestigative roles and case work

Police Undercover officers focus on covert operations and operating discreetly in the field, often in criminal environments. Police Detectives handle investigations, interviews, and case management in a more visible capacity. Both roles require police academy training, but their work environments and methods differ significantly.

More about Police Undercover jobs
What cities are hiring for Police Undercover jobs? Cities with the most Police Undercover job openings:
What states have the most Police Undercover jobs? States with the most job openings for Police Undercover jobs include:
Infographic showing various Police Undercover job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,633 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Police Officer (Police Academy Graduate/Lateral Officer)

Central Marin Police Authority

Larkspur, CA • On-site

$99K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Salary: $99,360.00 - $125,442.00 Annually
Location : Central Marin Police Authority, 250 Doherty Drive, Larkspur, CA 94939, CA
Job Type: CMPA
Job Number: 2026-03-10
Department: Central Marin Police Authority
Opening Date: 03/10/2026
Description
Join a dedicated team of officers dedicated to building safer, stronger communities!
$30,000 HIRING BONUS!!
The Central Marin Police Authority is recruiting for Academy Graduate and Lateral Police Officers. We offer an excellent base salary with a comprehensive benefits package AND a signing bonus of $30,000. We offer this signing bonus to graduates from a POST certified California police academy and to lateral entry police officers.
Click to learn more about the Central Marin Police Authority!
DEFINITION:
The fundamental reason for the existence of this classification is to enforce Federal, State and local laws and to respond to calls for the protection of life and property. Under general supervision, to perform law enforcement and crime prevention work; to control traffic flow and enforce state and local traffic regulations; and to do related work as required.
Examples of Duties
The following duties are considered essential for this job classification:
  • Patrols assigned area in a police vehicle, on a motorcycle, or on foot
  • Enforces local, State and Federal laws
  • Responds to calls related to the protection of life and property, traffic incidents, and other required emergencies
  • Checks business and residential areas for the purpose of preventing criminal activity
  • Answers calls for protection of life and property and the enforcement of municipal, county and state laws; as assigned
  • Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of disturbances, criminal incidents, hazardous incidents, accidents, deaths, and other incidents of an information or criminal nature
    • make arrests;
    • interrogate suspects and interview victims, complainants and witnesses;
    • coordinate and conduct detailed investigations of violent crimes, child abuse, property crimes, vice, gaming, narcotics violations, and other crimes;
    • testify and present evidence in court; provide backup assistance for other officers and personnel;
    • collect, preserve, and maintain evidence, found property, and property for safekeeping;
    • assist and advise motorists and enforce traffic safety laws by issuing citations and warnings;
    • search, fingerprint, transports and books prisoners;
    • respond to demonstrations, riots, hostage situations, barricaded subjects and other extremely hazardous situations;
    • maintain contact with the public regarding potential law enforcement problems and preserve good relationships with the public;
    • serve warrants and subpoenas;
    • observe, monitor, direct, and control routine and unusual traffic conditions;
    • check buildings for physical security; and administer first aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, as needed;
    • attends fire scenes to assist in the protection of life and property;
  • Prepares reports of arrests made, investigations conducted, and unusual incidents observed
  • Operates electronic and emergency communication devices and equipment in the field, in patrol vehicle, or in the office
  • Gives information and directions to the public
  • Performs work as a Designated Disaster Service Worker in compliance with California Government Code 3100-3109, as needed, during natural and manmade disasters and emergencies
  • Performs other related work as assigned.
  • Additional Duties:
    In addition to the duties listed in the Essential Duties Section, each employee in this classification may perform the following duties. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed below, nor do the examples cover all duties which may be assigned.
    • Perform undercover and surveillance activities;
    • develop and maintain good relationships with informants and contacts which may be helpful in criminal investigations;
    • prepare search and arrest warrants;
    • contact and cooperate with other law enforcement and non-law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses;
    • make presentations to citizens and groups;
    • assist in the performance of special investigative and crime prevention duties;
    • may serve as a member of a Special Response Team, Traffic Team, or other special assignment team;
    • may serve as Field Training Officer, supervising and training new personnel;
    • coordinate departmental training programs; prepare, submit, and administer grants; conduct specialized crime prevention programs;
    • seize assets through the preparation and service of asset seizure documentation;
    • manage a caseload of registered sex offenders, including initial registration, follow up, and coordination with the Department of Justice;
    • provide training for department personnel in such areas as defensive tactics, use of firearms, defensive driving, crowd control, use of chemical agents, and other specialized functions;
    • collect, analyze, and disseminate criminal street gang information;
    • direct traffic at fires, special events and other emergency or congested situations.

Typical Qualifications
Ability to:
Read and understand departmental policies, instructions, laws and regulations; ability to analyze situations and to adopt a quick, effective and reasonable course of action; ability to prepare clear and accurate reports; physical agility; keen observation and ability to remember names, faces and details of accidents; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions; ability to learn the use of care of automobiles, other police vehicles, firearms, and other special police weapons and equipment; ability to speak and write effectively; observe accurately and remember faces, numbers, incidents, and places; demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms; think and act quickly in emergencies, and judge situations and people accurately; maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations; learn, understand, and interpret laws, rules, regulations, and policies; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports; learn standard broadcasting procedures of a police radio system; demonstrate proficiency in the exercise of defensive tactics; handle an automobile in high speed and emergency situations; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; understand and carry out oral and written directions; uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times.
Experience and Education:
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience - Any full or part-time employment experience of a length to demonstrate good work habits;
Education - High school diploma or equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade (GED). Sixty (60) college semester units is preferable in Police Sciences or a closely related field.
Age and physical standards - Minimum age 21 years; weight in proportion to height; normal visual functions and visual acuity not less than 20/40 in each eye without corrections, and corrected to 20/20 in the better eye, and not less than 20/30 in the lesser eye. Must be free from color and night blindness and possess normal hearing.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION:
This classification requires the use of a department vehicle while on-duty and conducting law enforcement business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely and must possess an appropriate valid California motor vehicle operator's license upon hire and maintained thereafter for the duration of employment.
In addition, individuals must have graduated from a California POST police academy and possess a California POST Basic certificate.
Supplemental Information
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Visit our job posting at
Questions regarding our job posting, application and selection process may be submitted to Robert French, Professional Standards Unit Sergeant, at or by telephone at (415) 927-7391. Email contact is preferred.
Application Process:
  1. Submit an application online by clicking on the APPLY button on this job posting
  2. Attach your California POST Basic Certificate (if applicable)
  3. Attach a copy of your valid California Driver License
  4. Attach your high school diploma or GED certificate
  5. Answer the Supplemental Questions

NOTE: Out-of-state applicants who have graduated from a police academy, passed their field training program, and their initial probation period are encouraged to apply. Please attach copies of your valid state driver license and your basic law enforcement certificate. Out of state applicants will need to attend and graduate from a California Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Academy or successfully challenge the Basic Academy. Information is available at
Optional:
  • Attach your college diploma or transcript, if available

Selection Process:
  1. Oral Interview before a panel of law enforcement personnel
  2. POST Personal History Statement
  3. Conditional Offer: Candidate accepts or declines
  4. Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) - truth verification test
  5. POST Background Check
  6. Hiring Interview with CMPA Command Staff
  7. Psychological Examination
  8. Medical Examination and Drug Screening
  9. Final Offer of Employment

Applicants for Police Officer are encouraged to learn more about the Central Marin Police Authority (CMPA) by:
  1. Scheduling a ride along with an officer - contact the Watch Commander at (415) 927-5150 and request a ride along
  2. Visiting the CMPA website at
  3. Visiting the communities of Corte Madera, Larkspur, and San Anselmo

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Central Marin Police Authority does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
ADA - Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants who may qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) may submit a request for reasonable accommodation in writing at time of application.
Health care provided at Kaiser Bay Area rates for employee and dependents; additional health plans available
Dental Plan for employee and dependents
Term life insurance plan of $25,000
15 Holidays
Vacation and sick leave
Educational reimbursement and incentive benefits (Intermediate POST certificate or Associates degree - 3% of base salary; Bachelor's degree - 5% of base salary; Advanced POST certificate or Advanced Degree - 7% of base salary
CalPERS pension - Sworn employees - 3% @ 55 for Classic members; 2.7%@ 55 for PEPRA (hired after 12/31/2012). Non-sworn employees - 2.5% @ 55 for Classic employees; 2.0% at 60 for PEPRA members (hired after 12/31/2012)
Uniforms/safety equipment procvided; uniforms provided for non-sworn
Retiree Health Savings Account
457k deferred compensation with up to 1% employer match
Long Term/Short Term Disability plans available
Wellness benefit - up to $600 per fiscal year
Specialty Pay for assignments to Corporal, Field Training Officer (FTO), FTO Sergeant, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Master Officer (Special Response Team), Motorcycle, Training & Support Sergeant
Bilingual Pay for qualified employees ($250/month)
Longevity Pay - Year 8 - 2.5% of base salary; Year 12 - 5% of base salary
01
Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
  • High school graduate, diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Some college
  • 60 units
  • Associate degree
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Master's degree
  • Professional degree
  • Doctorate degree

02
Do you have a valid California driver license?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Have you graduated from a California POST police academy?
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have a California POST Basic certification?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question