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Police Identification and Records Officer

What is a Police Identification and Records Officer?

Example of Police Identification & Records Officer Job Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

Life As a Police Identification & Records Officer: What Do They Do?

  • Package, store and retrieve 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.
  • Testify in court and present evidence.
  • Perform emergency work during off-hours.
  • Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.

What a Police Identification & Records Officer Should Know

When polled, Police Identification and Records Officers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

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.

  • Community Service Officer
  • Evidence Technician
  • Field Identification Specialist
  • Fingerprint Classifier
  • Forensic Identification Specialist

Are There Job Opportunities for Police Identification and Records Officers?

There were about 110,900 jobs for Police Identification and Records Officer in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5,000 new jobs for Police Identification and Records Officer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Police Identification & Records Officer are Nevada, Utah, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Police Identification & Records Officer

Police Identification and Records Officers make between $43,800 and $138,860 a year.

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Police Identification and Records Officers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Police Identification and Records Officers in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $64,750
Alaska $118,360
Arizona $81,810
Arkansas $60,340
California $107,120
Colorado $87,280
Connecticut $90,470
Delaware $89,930
District of Columbia $122,460
Florida $76,560
Georgia $66,430
Hawaii $107,010
Idaho $73,510
Illinois $87,470
Indiana $75,150
Iowa $73,320
Kansas $62,260
Kentucky $71,300
Louisiana $65,090
Maine $70,620
Maryland $102,370
Massachusetts $101,800
Michigan $86,580
Minnesota $76,640
Mississippi $64,150
Missouri $70,860
Montana $81,210
Nebraska $73,480
Nevada $87,680
New Hampshire $80,370
New Jersey $102,600
New Mexico $77,890
New York $91,250
North Carolina $60,810
North Dakota $84,340
Ohio $75,310
Oklahoma $66,130
Oregon $93,840
Pennsylvania $85,730
Rhode Island $86,580
South Carolina $60,420
South Dakota $72,050
Tennessee $71,940
Texas $79,950
Utah $80,840
Vermont $83,060
Virginia $98,850
Washington $85,440
West Virginia $86,340
Wisconsin $76,590
Wyoming $81,750

What Tools & Technology do Police Identification and Records Officers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Police Identification and Records Officers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
  • Database software
  • National Crime Information Center NCIC database
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
  • SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
  • The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • Eos Systems PhotoModeler
  • Image enhancement software
  • Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
  • Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
  • DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
  • DeChant Consulting Services iWitness

Becoming a Police Identification & Records Officer

Learn what Police Identification and Records Officer education requirements there are.

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What work experience do I need to become a Police Identification & Records Officer?

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Police Identification and Records Officers Sector

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Police Identification and Records Officers work in the following industries:

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Similar Careers

Those interested in being a Police Identification and Records Officer may also be interested in:

Are you already one of the many Police Identification and Records Officer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

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