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Police Identification and Records Officers

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

What you’d do

  • Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
  • Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
  • Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
  • Testify in court and present evidence.
  • 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.
  • Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
  • Package, store and retrieve evidence.

Skills that matter

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

Also called

  • Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
  • Crime Scene Technician
  • Criminalist
  • Forensic Specialist
  • Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst)
  • Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech)

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