Police Identification and Records Officers

33-3021.02 Zone 3 — Medium Preparation Needed

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

Also known as: Accident Examiner, Accident Investigator, Accident Reconstructionist, Community Service Officer, Computer Forensic Examiner, Computer Forensic Specialist, Corrections Identification Technician, Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), ...

Annual Salary

$93,580

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$68,390 25th – 75th percentile $120,080
10th percentile $54,160
90th percentile $159,410
U.S. Employment: 110,790

Job Outlook

-0.7%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Declining)

Annual Job Openings 7,800 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: Less than 5 years
On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training

What You'd Do

  • Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
  • Testify in court and present evidence.
  • Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
  • Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
  • Package, store and retrieve evidence.
  • Perform emergency work during off-hours.
  • Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
  • Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
  • Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
  • Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.

Top Skills

Active Listening 3.9
Speaking 3.9
Reading Comprehension 3.8
Critical Thinking 3.8
Writing 3.3
Coordination 3.0
Active Learning 3.0
Complex Problem Solving 3.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Law and Government 4.2
Administrative 3.8
English Language 3.8
Public Safety and Security 3.6
Computers and Electronics 3.5
Customer and Personal Service 3.2
Education and Training 3.1
Administration and Management 2.7

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

High School
34.6%
Some College
28.5%
Bachelor's
24.9%
Associate's
10.8%
Certificate
1.2%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Adobe Photoshop Linux Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Visio Microsoft Windows Microsoft Word

Other Tools

Computer aided composite drawing software Database software DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene DeChant Consulting Services iWitness DesignWare 3D EyeWitness Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene Eos Systems PhotoModeler Image enhancement software Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN SmartDraw Legal The CAD Zone The Crime Zone Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI +2 more

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

3.0
Attention to Detail
2.9
Integrity
2.7
Dependability
2.6
Self-Control
2.6
Cautiousness
2.5
Stress Tolerance
2.2
Perseverance

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Oral Comprehension 3.9
Written Comprehension 3.9
Oral Expression 3.9
Near Vision 3.9
Deductive Reasoning 3.9
Inductive Reasoning 3.9
Information Ordering 3.9
Written Expression 3.8

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Documenting/Recording Information 4.6
Getting Information 4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.4
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.3
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events 4.2
Processing Information 4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

E-Mail
4.8
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.5
Freedom to Make Decisions
4.5
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
4.4
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
4.4
Telephone Conversations
4.2
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
4.2
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
4.0
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
3.9
Frequency of Decision Making
3.8
Contact With Others
3.7
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
3.7

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.