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Undercover Law Enforcement Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

Loss Prevention Agent

Woodbury, MN · On-site

$25 - $26/hr

Must have previous undercover, floor walking Loss Prevention experience! Why Should You Apply? As ... Relationship Building Skills with Store Management and Local Law Enforcement * Work Independently ...

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How much do undercover law enforcement jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 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.

Do undercover law enforcement officers still get paid?

Yes, undercover law enforcement officers receive regular paychecks as part of their employment, which can include base salary, overtime, and allowances depending on the agency. Compensation varies based on experience, rank, and location, and officers often require specialized training and equipment for their duties.

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.

How can I be an undercover law enforcement officer?

To become an undercover law enforcement officer, candidates typically need to complete a police academy training program, gain experience as a patrol officer, and demonstrate strong communication, observation, and problem-solving skills. Advancement often requires passing background checks, physical fitness tests, and specialized undercover training courses. Successful officers must also maintain confidentiality and adapt to high-pressure situations.

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.

How do you become an undercover law enforcement officer?

To become an undercover law enforcement officer, candidates typically need to first complete a police academy and gain experience as a patrol officer. They must then apply for specialized undercover units, often requiring additional training in surveillance, communication, and ethics, along with a thorough background check and security clearance.
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:
Infographic showing various Undercover Law Enforcement job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,189 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

LCB Enforcement Officer (Lateral) - Statewide

State of Washington

Seattle, WA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


State Of Washington rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 50 rated states


Job description

LCB Enforcement Officer

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety, public health and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders. It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is accepting applications for permanent LCB Enforcement Officer's. The Enforcement and Education Division is headquartered in Olympia and has four regional offices in Tacoma, Federal Way, Mount Vernon, and Spokane. The Enforcement Division works with approximately 13,000 liquor and cannabis licensees and their employees by providing education and counseling on liquor & cannabis licensing laws and regulations. LCB Enforcement Officers inspect premises, investigate complaints, and conduct compliance checks. At times they may take administrative and criminal action against licensees, employees, and the public who violate state liquor, tobacco and cannabis laws.

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:

  • A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
  • Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
  • Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
  • Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee's career development with the WSLCB)
  • Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
  • A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
  • Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
  • Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
  • A Peer Support Team, who is a group of your peers who have received training and are certified in crisis intervention, stress, and the critical incident stress debriefing process.
  • Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
  • Free parking

Under a limited law enforcement commission, our LCB Enforcement Officers enforce state liquor, tobacco and cannabis laws and regulations through citations, arrests, and administrative actions applicable to retailers, non-retailers, liquor, tobacco and cannabis employees, and underage violators within an assigned geographic area. The area may include about 250 or more liquor licensed businesses and about 150 or more tobacco licensees. Acts independently and exercises broad discretionary authority in criminal and administrative law enforcement. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Initiate investigations of violations of Title 66 RCW, Title 70.155 RCW and Title 82 RCW.
  • Investigates complaints from citizens and police and coordinates investigations with other criminal justice agencies.
  • Undercover investigations.
  • Makes misdemeanor arrests, issues notices of infraction, files administrative actions, and testifies in court or at hearings.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with members of the public, law enforcement agencies, and local businesses.
  • Coordinates liquor investigators, under age operatives for undercover assignments.
  • Prepare and conduct formal training for groups of ten or more.
  • Conduct financial investigations (tax evasion/compliance, background, licensing, credit worthiness, embezzlement, money laundering etc.).
  • May participate in vehicles stops and felony arrests for tobacco tax enforcement.

One year of experience as a LCB Enforcement Officer 1 and successful certification of the Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent; OR Successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Commission (720 hours) Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent. AND One year of experience as a full-time Peace Officer (active within the past two years) after achieving the successful completion of the Criminal Justice Training Commission's Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent.

  • Must be 21 years old.
  • Must be a Washington State resident and possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License upon appointment.
  • Must be a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident of the United States of America.
  • Ability to write clearly and succinctly.
  • Ability to orally communicate effectively on a one-on-one basis and in a group setting.
  • Applicants will be required to complete a background questionnaire and fingerprint cards and sign an authorization to release information prior to being interviewed.
  • Applicants will not have access to any background investigative materials and files.
  • Background investigations are part of the pre-employment selection process and are not a commitment to employment.
  • Must undergo background investigations, including a polygraph exam, psychological testing, medical exam, and drug and alcohol tests. These are required due to the nature and security requirements of the job.

No use or possession of illegal narcotics or controlled substances within the past five years. No possession or consumption of cannabis/hashish within the past one year. No possession of other illegal drugs within the last ten years. No possession of amphetamines or methamphetamines (such as speed, Ritalin, crank, crystal, ice, etc.), within the last ten years or over three times. No possession of hallucinogenic drugs (LSD, PCP, hallucinogenic mushrooms, etc.) over three times OR within the last ten years. No possession of non-prescribed opiates or narcotics (heroin, morphine, etc.) over three times OR within the last ten years. No possession of cocaine over three times OR within the last ten years. No possession of non-prescribed drugs or use of any prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you at any time after submitting an application with ANY law enforcement agency within the last five years. No possession of non-prescribed drugs or use of any prescription drugs that were not prescribed to you while employed or after having been employed by a law enforcement agency, regardless of the time frame. No possession of anabolic steroids within the last two years.

  • Any attempt at deception or falsification, either written or spoken, regarding any matter during any phase of this selection process.
  • Any Felony or Domestic Violence convictions.

The following will be taken under consideration and may or may not result in the rejection of your application:

  • Untruthful responses or prior drug possession.
  • Unfavorable work history involving any of the following areas: poor performance; poor attendance; a number of disciplinary actions with cause; or insubordination.
  • Resignation from any position in order to avoid dismissal for cause.
  • Termination from another law enforcement agency for cause.
  • Extensive moving traffic violations.

In addition to the qualifications stated above, the candidate will also possess the ability to:

  • Effectively communicate with irate or intoxicated people.
  • Employ the senses of sight (both day and night), touch, smell, and hearing while performing various job requirements.
  • Lift and carry up to 50 lbs when inspecting premises or processing evidence.
  • Respond to physical attack with the ability to escape or summon aid.
  • Inspect multi-level buildings.
  • Administer first aid, including Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and properly dispose of equipment or supplies possibly tainted by blood/air borne pathogens.
  • Respond to verbal and written directions.
  • Apply reasoning skills when confronted with the need to make discretionary decisions within the state law and policies of the Enforcement Division and Liquor Control Board.
  • Willingness and ability to arrest and handle suspected violators.
  • Stand and walk for extensive periods of time.
  • Visit liquor establishments where conditions are often crowded, boisterous, and hostile.
  • Remain calm and ability to deescalate situations when people are upset, angry, hostile, under

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About State of Washington

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Washington is not a traditional company, but a governmental organization that is tasked with managing the various state-run services and enterprises in Washington. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, the organization is responsible for the overall administration of the state's agencies and public services. Since the admission of Washington into the Union on November 11, 1890, the state government has aimed to provide a high quality of life for its residents through effective and efficient public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US

Year founded

1889