Civilian personnel play a vital and multifaceted role in t
he functioning of any police agency. Some of these roles can include administrative roles, intelligence and data gathering, traffic enforcement, and community engagement. Civilian positions are excellent avenues for working in policing and contributing to the well-being and safety of the community.
Typical civilian / non-sworn positions are summarized below. These positions vary in the amount of training or education required
Civilian Position Examples Include:
Civilian Investigators – Some agencies employ civilian investigators to investigate a wide range of incidents including traffic collisions, financial crimes, property crimes, and crimes against persons. Aspiring investigators should have an associate or bachelors degree in a criminal justice field, pass a background check and drug test, and complete on-the-job training.
Correctional Staff / Jailers – Jurisdictions that operate their own detention facilities often rely on a civilian staff. These employees provide security services for the facility and handle in-take, processing, monitoring, feeding, and transportation of inmates. Correctional staff should have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and the physical ability to fulfill the requirements of the job. Often a physical agility test, psychological evaluation, background examination, and a written exam for basic work skills are required. See also the American Correctional Association and the American Jail Association.
Crime Analysts – Crime analysts help police agencies translate their vast amounts of data into actionable information about crime patterns and trends, thereby helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of officer activity. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in a crime prevention field, pass a background investigation, and complete on-the-job training to hone their investigative skills. See also the International Association of Crime Analysts.
Crime Prevention / Community Outreach – In many jurisdictions, civilian personnel work closely with uniformed officers in crime prevention and other community outreach efforts. Volunteer work, event planning and public speaking skills, emergency management experience, and a crime prevention background or education are desirable. See also the National Crime Prevention Council.
Dispatchers / Call Takers - Dispatchers and 911 call takers work around the clock answering calls for service and dispatching personnel to scenes using high-tech communications equipment. Dispatchers must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean criminal background, good hearing and vision, and the ability to pass a polygraph test. Certification is also required in some states. A competitive candidate would be tech-savvy or have a degree in a criminal justice field. See also Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International.
Equipment / Fleet Management – Police agencies use a variety of specialized equipment from handheld radios to GPS to customized vehicles. Many agencies employ trained staff to maintain this equipment, preferring to hire those with associate degrees or certificates in engineering, mechanics, or engine repair.
Forensic Technicians – Some agencies hire civilian forensic technicians who are on call 24 hours a day to respond to crime scenes, take photographs, collect, and analyze evidence. A crime scene technician certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in a scientific field are preferred. Often, agencies require a polygraph exam, physical exam, and psychological evaluation. Valuable skills include proficiency in scientific and photo imaging software. See also the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Information Technology Specialists – Technological advances in crime fighting equipment such as in-car mobile data terminals (MDTs), computerized mapping, digital video, and wireless communication have generated a great demand for qualified IT professionals in police agencies. IT specialists should have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems, and certifications are desirable. See also the IACP Law Enforcement Cyber Center.
Intelligence Analysts – With increased emphasis in intelligence-led policing, 
many agencies employ analysts specially trained to collate and interpret intelligence gathered by officers in the field. For military veterans, this can be a great way to translate prior intelligence experience in a civilian job. Requirements include possessing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, passing a background investigation and polygraph examination, and passing a credit check. Foreign language skills and prior experience in areas such as cryptology or intelligence collection are preferred. See also the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts.
Parking Enforcement – Non-sworn personnel in this capacity may enforce various local and state parking laws, mark and remove abandoned or illegally parked vehicles, and assist with traffic control as needed during special events or critical incidents. Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent; pass a background check, drug test, and physical fitness test; and complete field training.
Planners / Researchers – These professionals may perform a wide range of duties including grant management, strategic planning, and coordinating agency policy and accreditation issues. Most professional research positions require a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Property / Evidence Management – From officer uniforms and equipment to crime scene evidence and seized goods, agencies employ civilian personnel to manage and organize these inventories. Agencies require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent, but many larger agencies desire a bachelor’s degree in a scientific field. Computer competency, recordkeeping experience, and physical fitness are desirable qualities in a candidate.
Public Information Officers – Some jurisdictions employ civilian public information officers to field requests from the public and the media and manage the messages of the department. Most public information officers should have a bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, or another related field.
Records Management – Every action an officer makes, from a field interview to a crime report or arrest, generates some record of data. Even with the increase in paperless technologies, most agencies still need assistance with data entry and records management. Records managers often possess an associate or bachelor’s degree and may have relevant certification and administrative experience.
Victim Service Providers / Advocates – These individuals offer support and assistance for crime victims, family members, and witnesses. They typically provide supportive counseling, referrals to community and social services, and act as a liaison with the criminal justice system. Some advocates have an associate or bachelor’s degree and experience in social work, criminal justice, or psychology. They often receive significant on-the-job training, and some states require advocates to be licensed social workers. Extensive background investigations are likely. See also National Center for Victims of Crime.
Volunteers – Serving as a volunteer can be a fantastic way to get involved with police agencies in your local area. Volunteers play critical roles in agencies all across the country. Agencies often require volunteers to be over 21 years old, and to pass a background check, polygraph, or psychological evaluation. More information about volunteering.