Police Identification and Records Officers

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Protective Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 33-3021
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

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

Tools and technology

Adobe Photoshop, Linux, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, 35 millimeter cameras, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Automobile door handle removers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Forensic Science Technicians
• Detectives and Criminal Investigators
• Private Detectives and Investigators
• Coroners
• Intelligence Analysts
• Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts
• Digital Forensics Analysts
• Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Police Identification and Records Officers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.