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Undercover Police Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

oak-park

Lateral Police Officer

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Lateral Police Officers perform a variety a variety of duties in the prevention of crimes; to ... and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution. Two ...

City of Turlock

Police Officer II

Turlock, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.7K/mo

May serve as an undercover agent for vice and narcotic investigations. May conduct background investigations on police officer or civilian applicants. Cooperates with other law enforcement agencies ...

University of South Carolina

Police Officer

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Police Officer Position Summary: The Law Enforcement Officer I / Public Safety Officer provides law ... Process and document crime scenes; conduct surveillance and undercover assignments. * Collect and ...

City of Turlock, CA

Police Officer II

Turlock, CA · On-site

$8.0K - $9.7K/mo

May serve as an undercover agent for vice and narcotic investigations. * May conduct background investigations on police officer or civilian applicants. * Cooperates with other law enforcement ...

City of Tumwater, WA

Lateral Police Officer

Tumwater, 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 ...

City of Doral

Police Officer

Miami, FL · On-site

$71K - $104K/yr

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.

City of Doral, FL

Police Officer

Doral, FL · On-site

$71K - $104K/yr

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.

City of Tumwater

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 ...

City of Selma

Police Officer

Selma, TX · On-site

$70K - $84K/yr

Other duties include testifying in court; and serving in plain clothes/undercover operations ... the final phase of the Police Officer Academy; (c) Must have Valid Texas Driver's License.

City of Alpharetta, GA

Police Officer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$61K - $97K/yr

Applicants hired as uncertified Police Officers may be assigned to work at the Alpharetta City Jail ... Works undercover to obtain evidence of criminal activity and further investigations. Directs and ...

City of Clearlake, CA

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

... convert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for ... T. training entry level for Police Officers. Learn modern police methods procedures related to ...

City of Clearlake

Police Officer

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$5.7K - $7.3K/mo

... convert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for ... T training entry level for Police Officers. Learn modern police methods procedures related to ...

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Undercover Police Officer information

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$32.5K

$62.1K

$103.5K

How much do undercover police officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for undercover police officer in the United States is $62,148.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,500.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an undercover police officer?

Undercover police officers are law enforcement professionals who assume false identities to investigate criminal activity without revealing their true identity as police. They often work on cases involving drug trafficking, organized crime, or other serious offenses where covert surveillance is necessary. By blending in with suspects or criminal groups, undercover officers gather evidence that would be difficult or impossible to obtain through standard policing methods. Their work is risky and requires extensive training, preparation, and support from their agencies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an undercover police officer?

To thrive as an Undercover Police Officer, you need a solid background in law enforcement, investigative techniques, and often a police academy certification or relevant criminal justice degree. Familiarity with surveillance technology, evidence collection tools, and secure communication systems is vital for operational effectiveness. Outstanding soft skills include adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strong interpersonal communication to build trust and maintain cover in high-risk environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for gathering actionable intelligence discreetly and ensuring personal safety while upholding the law.

What are some common challenges faced by undercover police officers during long-term assignments?

Undercover police officers on long-term assignments often face challenges such as maintaining their cover identity under pressure, dealing with the psychological stress of isolation from their real lives, and managing the risk of exposure to dangerous situations. They must consistently balance building trust with suspects while adhering to legal and ethical boundaries. Additionally, the need for secrecy can limit their ability to communicate openly with colleagues or family, leading to potential feelings of isolation. Agencies typically provide ongoing support and debriefing to help officers navigate these unique challenges.

What is the difference between Undercover Police Officer vs Patrol Officer?

AspectUndercover Police OfficerPatrol Officer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training, specialized undercover trainingHigh school diploma or GED, police academy training
Work EnvironmentInfiltrating criminal organizations, covert operations, often in urban settingsPatrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, visible presence in communities
Employer & Industry UsageLaw enforcement agencies, specialized unitsMunicipal police departments, general law enforcement

Undercover Police Officers focus on covert operations and infiltrating criminal groups, requiring specialized training. Patrol Officers maintain visible presence, respond to incidents, and ensure community safety. Both roles are essential in law enforcement but differ significantly in their methods and work environments.

Do undercover police officers still get paid?

Yes, undercover police officers receive regular paychecks as part of their law enforcement employment. Their salaries are based on their rank, experience, and department policies, and they may also receive additional compensation for specialized skills or assignments.

Is being an undercover police officer a career?

Yes, being an undercover police officer is a career within law enforcement that involves ongoing training, experience, and advancement opportunities. It requires specialized skills such as surveillance, communication, and discretion, and officers often work for police departments or federal agencies over many years.
More about Undercover Police Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Undercover Police Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Undercover Police Officer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Undercover Police Officer jobs?

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What states have the most Undercover Police Officer jobs?

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Undercover Police Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Undercover Police Officer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,148 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Lateral Police Officer

oak-park

Oak Park, IL • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Lateral Police Officers perform a variety a variety of duties in the prevention of crimes; to control traffic flow and enforce State and local traffic regulations; and to perform a variety of technical and administrative tasks in support of the department. They patrol a designated area of the Village to preserve law and order, discover and prevent the commission of crimes, and arrest offenders; check buildings for physical security. Also, they may conduct a variety of criminal investigations involving crimes against persons and property, auto theft, white collar crime, and narcotics; conduct covert and undercover investigations as assigned; gather evidence and prepare cases for prosecution.

Two years of law enforcement experience within the last five years and possession of an Associate’s degree or successful completion of sixty (60) semester hours at an accredited college of university. is required. As well as possession of a police officer certificate.

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