Occupations · Protective Service

Police Identification and Records Officers

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

O*NET 30.3 Database (USDOL/ETA) · occupation code 33-3021.02

What people in this job actually do

Ordered by how important the work is rated.

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.
Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
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.
Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
Take fingerprints.
Perform emergency work during off-hours.

O*NET 30.3 task ratings, importance scale

Skills that matter most

Importance, rated 1 to 5.

Active Listening3.9

Speaking3.9

Reading Comprehension3.8

Critical Thinking3.8

Writing3.2

Active Learning3.0

Monitoring3.0

Learning Strategies2.8

Mathematics2.0

Science1.8

O*NET 30.3 skills, importance scale

Software and tools

A dot marks what O*NET flags as in demand.

Adobe Photoshop●Linux●Microsoft Access●Microsoft Excel●Microsoft Office software●Microsoft PowerPoint●Microsoft Visio●Microsoft Windows●Microsoft Word●Computer aided composite drawing softwareDataWorks Plus Digital CrimeSceneDatabase softwareDeChant Consulting Services iWitnessDesignWare 3D EyeWitnessDigital Image Management Solutions Crime SceneEos Systems PhotoModelerImage enhancement softwareIntegrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFISNational Crime Information Center (NCIC) databaseNational Integrated Ballistics Information Network NIBINSmartDraw LegalThe CAD Zone The Crime ZoneTrancite Logic Systems ScenePDVisual Statement Vista FX3 CSIWeb browser software

O*NET 30.3 software skills · hot-technology flag

What this work is actually like

Conditions rated against the average across all occupations — only what makes this job different is listed.

3 / 5Medium preparation — vocational training or an associate degree, plus 1–2 years of work.

O*NET 30.3 Job Zones

Working conditions that stand out

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment+1.8 above average

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions+1.2 above average

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions+0.9 above average

Outdoors, Under Cover+0.9 above average

Level of Competition−0.8 below average

E-Mail+0.8 above average

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled+0.8 above average

O*NET 30.3 work context, frequency scale · observed 2025-08

How people actually get in

Share of workers by the education they hold.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)35%

Some College Courses28%

Bachelor's Degree25%

Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)11%

O*NET 30.2 education, training and experience · observed 2025-08

What kind of person the work suits

Occupational interest profile, rated 1 to 7.

Conventional5.6

Realistic4.8

Investigative3.7

O*NET 30.2 occupational interests (RIASEC)

Tasks O*NET flags as emerging

Use drone technology for aerial photography and videography of crime scenes.

O*NET 30.3 emerging tasks

What you take with you

Skills rated for how well they transfer into other occupations.

Judgment and Decision Making3.0

Social Perceptiveness3.0

Complex Problem Solving3.0

Time Management3.0

Coordination3.0

Instructing2.9

Service Orientation2.8

Persuasion2.8

O*NET 30.3 transferable skills, importance scale

Knowledge the work draws on

Law and GovernmentAdministrativeEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal Service

Abilities it leans on

Oral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionDeductive ReasoningInductive ReasoningInformation Ordering

O*NET 30.3 abilities and knowledge, importance scale

How this job is advertised

The same work is posted under many titles — this is what to search for.

CriminalistInvestigatorPolice OfficerForensic SergeantAccident ExaminerEvidence CustodianForensic ScientistEvidence SpecialistCriminal SpecialistForensic SpecialistPolice InvestigatorCrime Scene ExaminerLatent Print ExaminerAccident Investigator

O*NET 30.3 job titles reported for this occupation

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What changed since 2015

Comparing O*NET release 20.1 (2015-10-01) with 30.3 (2026-05-01). Signs, not colour alone, carry the meaning. 1 entries that were only relabelled between releases are left out.

Now listed 6

+Microsoft Windows+SmartDraw Legal+Microsoft PowerPoint+Linux+Adobe Photoshop+Microsoft Access

No longer listed 2

−Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software−SmartDraw.com SmartDraw Legal

Diff across the O*NET releases held here in full since October 2015, following occupations through merges and retirements. O*NET re-surveys occupations on a rolling cycle, so “no change” can also mean “not re-surveyed”.

O*NET 30.3 related occupations

Also called

SergeantDetectiveCriminalistInvestigatorPolice OfficerPolice DetectiveForensic SergeantAccident ExaminerForensic ScientistDetective SergeantEvidence CustodianEvidence Technician

O*NET 30.3 alternative titles

The same work in Europe

ESCO occupation	ISCO	Match
criminal investigator	3355.1	close
police detective	3355.2	close

Official ESCO ↔ O*NET crosswalk (ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA)

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