What You Need to Know About Police Identification and Records Officer
Job Description & Duties Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
What Do Police Identification and Records Officers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
- Package, store and retrieve evidence.
- Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- Perform emergency work during off-hours.
- Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
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Qualities of a Police Identification & Records Officer
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.
Types of Police Identification & Records Officer Jobs
- Accident Investigator
- Accident Reconstructionist
- Forensic Sergeant
- Community Service Officer
- Crime Scene Technician
Police Identification & Records Officer Employment Estimates
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.

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

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 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 |
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
How to Become a Police Identification & Records Officer
What education is needed to be a Police Identification and Records Officer?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Police Identification & Records Officer?

Where do Police Identification and Records Officers Work?

Police Identification and Records Officers work in the following industries:

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Police Identification and Records Officer may also be interested in:
Career changers with experience as a Police Identification and Records Officer sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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