Occupation AtlasPolice Identification and Records Officers

O*NET · 33-3021.02

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

Also called Accident Examiner · Accident Investigator · Accident Reconstructionist · Community Service Officer · Computer Forensic Examiner · Computer Forensic Specialist · Corrections Identification Technician · Crime Lab Analyst
44 more

Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst) · Crime Scene Evidence Technician · Crime Scene Examiner · Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) · Crime Scene Specialist · Crime Scene Technician · Crime Victim Specialist · Criminal Identification Coordination Specialist · Criminal Records Technician · Criminal Specialist · Criminalist · CSI · Cyber Forensic Specialist · Evidence Custodian · Evidence Specialist · Evidence Tech · Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech) · Field Evidence Technician · Field Identification Specialist · Fingerprint Classifier · Forensic Identification Specialist · Forensic Science Examiner · Forensic Science Tech · Forensic Science Technician (Forensic Science Tech) · Forensic Scientist · Forensic Sergeant · Forensic Specialist · Forensic Tech · Forensic Technician (Forensic Tech) · Identification Officer · Identification Tech · Identification Technician (Identification Tech) · Investigative Police Specialist · Investigator · Latent Fingerprint Examiner · Latent Print Examiner · Parts Identification Tech · Parts Identification Technician (Parts Identification Tech) · Police Crime Scene Tech · Police Crime Scene Technician (Police Crime Scene Tech) · Police Evidence Specialist · Police Investigator · Police Officer · Site Identification Specialist

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code CRI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Animal Control Workers

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

CRIConventional · Realistic · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • C Conventional5.64
  • R Realistic4.83
  • I Investigative3.68
  • E Enterprising2.93
  • S Social1.97
  • A Artistic1.58

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent35%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate1%
  • Some College Courses29%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
  • Bachelor's Degree25%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (40%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (22%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (31%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23

Tasks

14 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.Importance 4.6
  2. Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.Importance 4.5
  3. Testify in court and present evidence.Importance 4.4
  4. Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.Importance 4.4
  5. Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.Importance 4.3
  6. Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.Importance 4.3
  7. Package, store and retrieve evidence.Importance 4.2
  8. Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.Importance 4.2
  9. Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.Importance 4.1
  10. Take fingerprints.Importance 4.0
  11. Perform emergency work during off-hours.Importance 3.9
  12. Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.Importance 3.7
Show the other 4
  1. Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.Importance 3.6
  2. Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.Importance 3.4
  3. Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.Importance 4.3
  4. Interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.Importance 3.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Law and GovernmentImportance 4.2Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.8Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.5Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.2Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.9
Show all 33
  • BiologyImportance 2.6Level 2.9
  • MathematicsImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • ChemistryImportance 2.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • PsychologyImportance 2.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.5Level 2.7
  • Communications and MediaImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • TransportationImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • PhysicsImportance 2.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.3Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • GeographyImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.9Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • MechanicalImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.5Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.2Level —
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.2Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Far VisionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • OriginalityImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Finger DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Manual DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.6
  • Control PrecisionImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.5Level 2.9
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Response OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Night VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Rate ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction TimeImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Static StrengthImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.9Level 0.9
  • StaminaImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.6Level 0.8
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.2Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.9Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
Show all 41
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Working with ComputersImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 3.5Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.4Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 3.4Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.3Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.1Level 2.9
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.7Level 2.7
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.8
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.2
  • Telephone Conversations4.2
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.9
  • Frequency of Decision Making3.8

Technology

25 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (9)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (16)
  • Computer aided composite drawing software
  • Database software
  • DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
  • DeChant Consulting Services iWitness
  • DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
  • Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene
  • Eos Systems PhotoModeler
  • Image enhancement software
  • Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
  • National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
  • SmartDraw Legal
  • The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
  • Trancite Logic Systems ScenePD
  • Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.