List of Civilian Jobs in Police Department

Jobs in the police department are not only limited to police officers but also involve civilian jobs. The civilian, also known as “non-sworn” employees, will not get involved in law enforcement duties such as patrolling or arresting but rather in administrative functions within the department that play a very important role in supporting law enforcement operations.

Since civilian employees will directly work with police, they must be prepared to undergo background checks and also be capable of safeguarding sensitive and confidential materials. Within the police department, civilian employees only work in one of the “support” positions, and they will not be allowed to carry weapons or make arrests.

Thus, if you work as a civilian employee at the police department, your work is really needed and valued. Okay, we’ll give you a list of civilian jobs that you can apply for. The following are some civilian job positions that vary greatly in the amount of training and education required:

1. Civilian Investigative Assistant

Average salary: $61.768

Not only police officers, but some agencies also employ civilian investigators to conduct general office duties and some limited field work to assist the investigation in a wide range of incidents, such as property crimes, financial crimes, traffic collisions, and crimes against persons.

To apply for this position, the candidates should have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a criminal justice field, complete on-the-job training, and undergo a background check and drug test. They also must have strong detail and organization skills, along with the ability to use standard computer programs.

Facilitating the investigation of criminal or civil cases is the overall task of the civilian investigative assistants. In addition, they have to process and serve different legal documents, including orders, subpoenas, complaints, and legal motions. Some other duties include photographing crime scenes, taking fingerprints, transporting evidence, etc.

2. Dispatchers and call takers

Average salary: $25,484 – $57,659

A police dispatcher could be the first line of contact when an emergency occurs. Of course, the dispatchers work around the clock, answering phone calls either within the call center or within the police department itself. They also receive calls directed to law enforcement agencies or diverted from 911 operators.

The candidates should have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. They are also willing to undergo a background check and drug test. Having good hearing and vision, as well as the ability to pass a polygraph test, is required. In some states, the candidates should be tech-savvy or have a degree in a criminal justice field.

Since their work is 24/7, dispatchers will work shifts. Depending on the size of the department, they may work alone or in a team. Some duties of police dispatchers include processing and evaluating the information received, assessing the importance of the call and directing it to the relevant personnel, and sometimes coordinating different police units, as well as keeping records of the calls, responses, and requests.

3. Record Clerks

Average salary: $33,633

A number of data records ranging from field interviews to crime reports or arrests are obtained from the record clerk. Even though the agencies already use paperless technologies, physical records written on paper are still needed to make it easier to enter data and manage records.

There are no specific requirements about the type of education required to apply for this position. However, having an associate or bachelor’s degree, being competent in operating a computer, and having attended relevant training can add value.

As the name implies, record clerks are responsible for both electronic and paper records of the police department’s activities. Managing and keeping police records such as arrest records, incident reports, and other official documents is what record clerks have to do.

4. Forensic Technician

Average salary: $45,928

A forensic science technician, also known as a crime scene technician, is a highly trained professional position you can occupy. They will work with law enforcement agencies such as state and local police departments, detective bureaus, federal law enforcement agencies, or representatives of the court system to solve a crime.

The candidates must have a high school degree or GED equivalent, excellent communication skills, and be ready to work under pressure. Some additional value to get bigger opportunities to work as a forensics technician is to have a certificate of forensic science or a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or crime scene investigation.

Of course, there are so many tasks that a forensic technician performs, including collecting, inspecting, and processing the evidence found at the crime scene, drawing sketches of the crime scene, preparing diagrams using computer software, conducting lab analysis on the evidence, and preparing reports.

5. Intelligent Analyst

Average salary: $66,352

Intelligent analysts are high-demand jobs that work for a police department or sheriff’s office. Many agencies employ experienced and trained intelligence analysts to collect, analyze, and interpret intelligence obtained by officers in the field.

To apply for this position, candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in the field. And having experience in this field is a must since agencies may prefer experienced candidates over those with a degree. They’re also willing to work under pressure. Holding proper certification, strong attention, and great analytical skills will be required.

6. Police Aid

Average salary: $11.00 per hour

Facilitating the overall work of the police department is the goal of police aid. Depending on the current needs of the department, they may perform various field assignments and technical activities, and the jobs will vary.

The candidates must have graduated high school or the equivalent. It would be better if they had a certificate related to criminal justice, social science, or political science. Candidates who have more experience will be considered by the agency.

There are so many duties that police aids have to perform, including keeping an inventory, organizing and distributing information materials, issuing parking citations, storing and releasing evidence, providing assistance in the development of community programs, and keeping the equipment in the vehicles.

7. Crime Analyst

Average salary: $45,836

The main task of the crime analyst is to provide specific case support for investigators to analyze trends in various crimes. They will work in an office and sometimes go outside if needed. To prepare reports and other statistical information, they may conduct research, analyze data, identify crime patterns, and gather suspect and victim profiles.

The candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in a related field or criminal justice. Having excellent communication and data processing skills can be a plus for them. If they have not yet held a training certificate, they can follow initial and on-the-job training.

8. Correctional Staff/Officer

Average Salary: $49,452

Jurisdictions operating their correctional facilities sometimes rely on civilian staff. Their jobs are to provide security services for the facility and also to handle intake, monitor, process, feed, and transport inmates.

Candidates who want to apply for this position must have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, the physical ability to meet the requirements of the job, and a valid driver’s license. Some requirements, including a psychological evaluation, a physical ability test, a background check, and a written exam for basic work skills, will be needed.

9. Evidence Custodian

Average salary: $35,000

The main job of an evidence custodian is to make sure the evidence is stored safely and securely. They may be responsible for receiving the evidence, keeping a proper note, taking special care of hazardous evidence, and storing it properly.

There are no specific requirements for a minimum education level, but an experienced evidence custodian will usually be considered. The candidates should be willing to undergo a background check and drug test. To convince agencies, they should have strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

10. Victim Service Providers

Average salary: $41,000

Individuals or firms that offer assistance to crime victims, witnesses, and family members are usually not law enforcement agencies; they are instead civilians. They are willing to provide supportive counselling and act as a liaison with the criminal justice system.

To apply for this position, the candidates must have at least an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field in psychology, criminal justice, or social work. They also must be willing to undergo a background evaluation and drug test. In some states, those who occupy this position are required to be licensed social workers. Before doing work, they may receive significant on-the-job training.

Well, there are still many other civilian jobs that you can apply for in the police department, including Crime Prevention, Fleet Management, IT Specialists, Parking Enforcement, Researchers, Public Information Officers, and Volunteers. If you’re interested in applying for these positions, you can do a further search to find out the duties and requirements of each position.