Occupation Details
Police Identification and Records Officers
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$70,470.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$106,640.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$137,430.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
9,980
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
11,180
+120 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
878
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
College Helps - Some college classes or training
Experience Requirements
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education Requirements
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, desktop publishers, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters and simultaneous captioners, and medical assistants.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
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.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Independence
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- 35 millimeter cameras
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Automobile door handle removers
- Axes
- Biohazard suits
- Blood collection kits
- Bolt cutters
- Breathalyzers
- Bulletproof vests
- Camera lens filters
- Claw hammers
- Compound light microscopes
- Crime scene rulers
- Crime scene tape measures
- Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA collection kits
- Desktop computers
- Digital cameras
- Digital video cameras
- Distance measuring wheels
- Drug testing kits
- Electronic measuring devices
- Electrostatic dust lifters
- Evidence collection scalpels
- Evidence scissors
- Evidence tweezers
- Filter masks
- Fingerprint brushes
- Fingerprint evidence kits
- Fingerprint scanners
- Footwear protectors
Technology
- Computer aided composite drawing software
- Database software
- Image enhancement software
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- National Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBIN
- Visual Statement Vista FX3 CSI
- Web browser software
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- testify in court for accident and criminal cases
- operate cameras
- manage detailed records or files in law enforcement setting
- prepare reports
- process photographic prints
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- compile biological data for criminal investigations
- conduct legal searches or investigations
- verify investigative information
- identify fingerprints
- identify firearms or weapons
- communicate details in protective services settings
- communicate technical information
- use chemical testing or analysis procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- follow law enforcement methods or procedures
- gather physical evidence
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- Package, store and retrieve evidence.
- Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
- Testify in court and present evidence.
- Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
- Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- Interview victims, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.
- Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
- Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
- Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
- Perform emergency work during off-hours.
- Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.
- Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
- Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.
- Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
As a professional society dedicated to the application of science to the law, the AAFS is committed to the promotion of education and the elevation of accuracy, precision, and specificity in the forensic sciences. Academy's members are physicians, attorneys, dentists, toxicologists, physical anthropologists, document examiners, psychiatrists, physicists, engineers, criminalists, educators, and others.
Learn MoreCollege of SUNY Geneseo Young Scholars Adventures: Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators
The Summer Academy for Crime Scene Investigators introduces students, grades 4 to 6 and 7 to 9, to the enchanting world of forensic investigation! Learn about and participate in a number of hands-on, state-of-the-art techniques and tests.
Learn MoreLaw Enforcement and Security Specialists
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MorePolice and detectives
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science Secret Agent Lab
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. Secret Agent Lab - delve into the mysteries of forensic science! Discover different methods of secret writing and break coded messages in a quest for treasure. Explore the world of optics and make your own camera obscura and kaleidoscope. Use chemistry to identify mysterious substances, and mix your own chemical reactions.
Learn MoreSyracuse University Summer College Forensic Science Program
Summer College Forensic Science program is intended to provide an introduction to understanding the science behind crime detection. Topics included are blood analysis, organic and inorganic evidence analysis, microscopic investigations, hair analysis, DNA, forensic psychology, drug chemistry and toxicology, fiber comparisons, paints, glass compositions and fragmentation, fingerprints, soil comparisons and arson investigations, among others.
Learn More