What Does it Take to Be a 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.
Daily Life Of a Police Identification & Records Officer
- Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
- 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.
- Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
- Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
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Police Identification & Records Officer Skills
These are the skills Police Identification and Records Officers say are the most useful in their careers:
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 Technician
- Investigative Police Specialist
- Site Identification Specialist
- Parts Identification Technician
- Evidence Custodian
Is There Going to be Demand for Police Identification and Records Officers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 110,900 jobs in the United States for Police Identification and Records Officer. 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.
Salary for a Police Identification & Records Officer
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.
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 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 do I Become a Police Identification & Records Officer?
Education needed to be a Police Identification and Records Officer:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Who Employs Police Identification and Records Officers?
Police Identification and Records Officers work in the following industries:
Similar Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Police Identification and Records Officer might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Police Identification and Records Officer sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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