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Undercover Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ptoiad

Law Enforcement - Police Officer

Tacoma, WA

$46.05/hr

Law Enforcement Hours: 40 Hours/Week - Full Time Salary: Entry Level: $43.44/hour + Benefits ... in undercover investigations of narcotics, gambling, vice and other activities, violations and ...

ptoiad

Law Enforcement - Police Officer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$46.05/hr

Law Enforcement Hours: 40 Hours/Week - Full Time Salary: Entry Level: $43.44/hour + Benefits ... in undercover investigations of narcotics, gambling, vice and other activities, violations and ...

The State of Arizona

SPECIAL AGENT

Phoenix, AZ

$78K/yr

Through proper case management and law enforcement procedures, cases will be documented and evidence will be obtained for criminal and/or administrative violations. Agents will work in an undercover ...

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$78K/yr

Through proper case management and law enforcement procedures, cases will be documented and evidence will be obtained for criminal and/or administrative violations. Agents will work in an undercover ...

Harnett County

Deputy Sheriff Detective

Lillington, NC · On-site

$64K - $106K/yr

Conducts undercover operations to include drug raids, obtains search warrants and operates ... Cooperates with members of other local, state, and federal law enforcement and investigative ...

Hidalgo County

Deputy Sheriff

Edinburg, TX

$55K/yr

... other law enforcement agencies as needed Perform surveillance of suspects and assigned locations Meet with informants and conduct undercover narcotics work Handle and care for dogs involved in ...

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How much do undercover law enforcement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for undercover law enforcement in the United States is $26.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is undercover law enforcement?

Undercover law enforcement refers to police officers or agents who assume false identities and integrate themselves into criminal organizations or specific environments to gather evidence and intelligence without revealing their true identity. These officers often work on cases involving drugs, organized crime, terrorism, or other serious offenses. The goal is to collect information that would be difficult or impossible to obtain through regular investigative methods. Undercover work requires extensive training, careful planning, and strong support systems to ensure the safety of the officers and the integrity of the investigation.

What are some common challenges faced by undercover law enforcement officers, and how are they supported in managing these challenges?

Undercover law enforcement officers often face unique challenges such as maintaining a convincing cover identity, dealing with the psychological stress of long-term assignments, and managing limited contact with friends and family. Agencies typically provide specialized training, ongoing psychological support, and regular debriefings to ensure officer well-being. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and support units are essential, as these networks help officers navigate complex situations and mitigate risks inherent in undercover work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an undercover law enforcement officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Undercover Law Enforcement Officer, you need a strong background in criminal justice, investigative techniques, and law enforcement training, often supported by police academy graduation and relevant field experience. Familiarity with surveillance technology, evidence collection tools, and secure communication systems is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and emotional intelligence are crucial for building trust and maintaining cover in high-risk situations. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure operational safety, effective intelligence gathering, and successful case outcomes.

What is the difference between Undercover Law Enforcement vs Undercover Private Investigator?

AspectUndercover Law EnforcementUndercover Private Investigator
CredentialsLaw enforcement training, police academy certificationPrivate investigator license, sometimes background in law enforcement or security
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, crime scenes, public settingsPrivate offices, client sites, public spaces
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, police departmentsPrivate investigation firms, corporate clients
Search & UsageUndercover law enforcement vs private investigator rolesComparing law enforcement and private investigation work

Undercover law enforcement officers are trained police personnel working within government agencies to investigate crimes, often requiring police academy certification. Undercover private investigators operate independently or within firms, focusing on civil cases or background checks, usually holding a private investigator license. While both roles involve undercover work, law enforcement officers have official authority and work within the criminal justice system, whereas private investigators serve private clients in civil matters.

More about Undercover Law Enforcement jobs

What cities are hiring for Undercover Law Enforcement jobs?

Cities with the most Undercover Law Enforcement job openings:

What states have the most Undercover Law Enforcement jobs?

States with the most job openings for Undercover Law Enforcement jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Undercover Law Enforcement jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Undercover Law Enforcement jobs are:

Undercover Law Enforcement jobs near you
Infographic showing various Undercover Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,189 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Law Enforcement Officer

Conway, SC • On-site

Coastal Carolina University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Coastal Carolina Universityexternal

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Summary
Classification Title
Law Enforcement Officer II
Classification Code
JC20
Pay Grade
LAW04
Subject to Drug/Alcohol Testing Guidelines
Yes
Subject to Credit Check
Yes
Internal Title
Law Enforcement Officer
Department
Public Safety
Position Type
PCLS - Slotted Classified
Full or Part Time
Full-Time
Basis
12 mo.
Hours per week
160 hours/28 days (Public Safety only)
Normal Work Schedule
Varies
Job Details
Coastal Carolina University is currently accepting applications for the following full-time position: Law Enforcement Officer in the Department of Public Safety.
While practicing community oriented policing practices and principals the employee enforces Coastal Carolina University rules and regulations, local, state and federal laws and statutes for the preservation of peace and protection of life and property while focused on problem solving. Serves in the capacity of a Law Enforcement Officer with the University title of Law Enforcement Officer.
How to Apply: Interested candidates may apply online at https://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/122535. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume and list of three (3) professional references. Deadline to apply: September 6, 2026.
Required Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Satisfactory driving history, no criminal history. Must be certified by South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Officer within 1 year of hire. Position is subject to pre-employment and post-hire drug testing as well as a credit check.
Preferred Qualifications: South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Officer Class I certification is preferred.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Proactively patrols assigned areas and observes for criminal and traffic violations and/or other suspicious activity. Monitors assigned patrol areas and makes recommendations to improve the safety of the community. Enforces University rules, state and local laws, issues citations and/or makes arrests in accordance with the law and the general orders. Answers call for service. Regulates and, when needed, directs pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• Conduct investigations on accidents and criminal activity, secures, preserves and compiles evidence. Questions suspects and/or witnesses and takes statements. Attends court and enters testimony. Participates in Alcohol/Narcotic undercover operations.
• Makes timely documentation of all enforcement and investigative activities and incidents. Completes proper departmental forms, performs follow-up investigations to include developing and using informants to prosecute criminal activity. Provides exceptional customer service to all constituents, including but not limited to, faculty, staff, students, visitors and the community at large.
• Police Officers are the first line of defense for all faculty / staff / students / visitors on campus. Police Officers are to respond to emergencies in a safe manner and as quickly and as possible while exercising due care for everyone. Officers are expected to act quickly to protect life and stop persons causing harm to others.
• Develops partnerships with law enforcement and the community through community-oriented policing practices. Plans, directs, and coordinates law enforcement activities and programs to accomplish these partnerships. Provides exceptional customer service to all constituents, including but not limited to, faculty, staff, students, visitors and the community at large.
Law Enforcement Officer II (JC20/61121857/FTE-S01187P), full-time position with benefits. SC State Pay Band: LAW04. Salary range: $53,300.00 (minimum) - $60,000.00 (midpoint). Twelve (12) hour shifts, work hours vary. Weekends, holidays and special events are required. Must be flexible to meet the special scheduling needs of the university.
Coastal Carolina University is a public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, South Carolina, just nine miles from the Atlantic coastal resort city of Myrtle Beach. Coastal
Carolina University enrolls over 12,000 students from 48 states and 53 nations. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the baccalaureate and master's degrees of national and/or regional significance in the arts and sciences, business, humanities, education, and health and human services, a specialist degree in instructional technology, and PhD degrees in marine science: coastal and marine systems science and education sciences.
The University provides equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, national origin, or because an employee or applicant for employment is an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, an Armed Forces service medal veteran, a recently separated veteran, or an active-duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or other "protected veteran," as defined by law. Coastal Carolina University is an EO/AA employer.
Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent. Satisfactory driving history, no criminal history. Must be certified by South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Officer within 1 year of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy Law Enforcement Officer Class I certification is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Must possess good verbal and written skills. Ability to interact successfully within a diverse academic community. An employee needs to have an understanding that many young adults require guidance and tolerance rather than sterner measures. Additional guidance to be furnished by University policies and procedures and departmental general orders.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FTE-S01187P
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
10/26/2026
Position End Date (if temporary)
Job Open Date
08/27/2026
Job Close Date
09/06/2026
Open Until Filled
No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Quicklink for Posting
https://jobs.coastal.edu/postings/122535
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