What is a Police Identification and Records Officer?

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

Daily Life Of a Police Identification & Records Officer

• Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
• Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
• Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
• Package, store and retrieve evidence.
• Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
• Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.

Things a Police Identification & Records Officer Should Know How to Do

Police Identification and Records Officers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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 and Records Officer

• Forensic Science Examiner
• Crime Scene Examiner
• Crime Scene Evidence Technician
• Identification Technician
• Corrections Identification Technician

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.

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 Average Salary

The salary for Police Identification and Records Officers ranges between about $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

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

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

Individuals working as a Police Identification and Records Officer have obtained the following education levels:

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

Who Employs Police Identification and Records Officers?

Police Identification and Records Officers work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

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

• Museum Technicians and Conservators

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:

• Correctional Officers and Jailers

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

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