What Do Police Identification and Records Officer Do?
Job Description & Duties 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?
- Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- 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.
- Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
- Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
- Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Police Identification & Records Officer Should Know How to Do
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Latent Print Examiner
- Accident Examiner
- Cyber Forensic Specialist
- Community Service Officer
- Accident Reconstructionist
Job Opportunities for Police Identification and Records Officers
In the United States, there were 110,900 jobs for Police Identification and Records Officer in 2016. 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.

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.
Do Police Identification and Records Officers Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Police Identification and Records Officers is somewhere between $43,800 and $138,860.

Police Identification and Records Officers who work in District of Columbia, Alaska, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Police Identification and Records Officers make in each U.S. state?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Police Identification and Records Officers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Police Identification and Records Officers may use on a daily basis:
- 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
- SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- Image enhancement software
- Eos Systems PhotoModeler
- Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
- DeChant Consulting Services iWitness
Becoming a Police Identification & Records Officer
Learn what Police Identification and Records Officer education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Police Identification and Records Officers?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Police Identification and Records Officer might also be interested in the following careers:
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:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |