Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

Median Annual Wage: $79,870

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (41%); Bachelor's degree (30%); Associate's degree (18%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Crime Scene Technician; Criminalist; Crime Scene Investigator; Latent Print Examiner; Forensic Specialist; Latent Fingerprint Examiner; Identification Technician; Field Identification Specialist; Crime Scene Evidence Technician; Identification Officer

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Police Identification and Records Officers.

More Protective Service Careers

  • Package, store and retrieve evidence.
  • Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
  • Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
  • Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
  • Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
  • Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
  • Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
  • Testify in court and present evidence.
  • Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.
  • Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Police Identification and Records Officers.

  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Police Identification and Records Officers.

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