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Police Identification and Records Officers

SOC 33-3021.02Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers law enforcement forensic identification and records functions including crime scene processing, evidence collection and documentation, chain-of-custody management, laboratory and autopsy support, and court testimony across patrol, records, and investigative environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Crime and accident scene photographs — capture using department-issued cameras under direct supervision to create initial evidence records.
  2. Evidence logs and basic incident reports — complete using standardized forms under supervisor review in a law enforcement records unit.
  3. Collected evidence packages — label, seal, and deliver to designated supervisors or intake areas following established chain-of-custody protocols.
  4. Latent fingerprint dusting techniques — apply to selected surfaces at controlled practice scenes under the guidance of a senior identification officer.
  5. Trace evidence types such as hairs, fibers, and shoe impressions — recognize and flag for collection during supervised crime scene walkthroughs.
  6. Protective equipment including gloves, masks, and coveralls — don and use correctly before entering any crime scene or autopsy environment.
  7. Evidence storage systems and retrieval logs — navigate and update using department database software under step-by-step instruction.
  8. Office suite and word processing software — use to draft preliminary field notes and supporting documentation in a records office setting.
  9. Oral briefings on scene observations — deliver clearly to supervising officers following a structured reporting format.
  10. Departmental public safety and legal regulations — read and apply basic provisions when handling evidence in routine, supervised assignments.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Crime scene and autopsy photographs — plan, compose, and capture systematically with minimal oversight to document evidence for court-admissible records.
  2. Evidence reports and chain-of-custody documentation — write, review, and maintain with accuracy in a busy law enforcement records environment.
  3. Packaged evidence submissions — prepare and transfer to crime laboratories or court officials in compliance with procedural and legal requirements.
  4. Latent fingerprints — dust, lift, and preserve from varied surface types at active crime scenes adhering to proper preservation and contamination-prevention procedures.
  5. Alternative light sources — operate to locate trace evidence including biological fluids, fibers, and impressions across multiple scene types.
  6. Chemical and powder processing of physical evidence — conduct in a laboratory setting while wearing appropriate protective equipment and following safety protocols.
  7. Database and spreadsheet software — use to query, update, and manage evidence inventories and records efficiently within a records management system.
  8. Court testimony preparation materials — organize and review to support accurate and professional presentation of findings to legal officials.
  9. Critical observations from multiple evidence sources — synthesize using inductive reasoning to identify patterns relevant to ongoing investigations.
  10. Time-sensitive evidence collection tasks — prioritize and coordinate across concurrent assignments in high-pressure field environments.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex or large-scale crime scenes — photograph, process, and document autonomously, applying advanced compositional and technical standards for legal proceedings.
  2. Non-routine evidence reports involving conflicting data — analyze, reconcile, and finalize with full accountability in multi-agency law enforcement contexts.
  3. Court testimony and physical evidence — present and defend independently before judges, attorneys, and juries with professional credibility and clarity.
  4. Difficult or degraded latent fingerprint evidence — recover using specialized powders, chemicals, and alternative light sources under challenging environmental conditions.
  5. Trace evidence from diverse substrates including clothing, vehicles, and soil — identify, collect, and package using best-practice forensic methods at active scenes.
  6. Evidence processing during autopsies — perform in coordination with medical examiners, applying full protective protocols and precise documentation standards.
  7. Graphics and photo imaging software — use proficiently to enhance, annotate, and prepare evidentiary photographs for court presentations and case files.
  8. Complex problem-solving across evidence gaps — apply deductive and inductive reasoning to guide investigative direction in consultation with detectives.
  9. Chain-of-custody integrity for high-profile or contested cases — maintain and audit throughout all stages from collection through court submission.
  10. Judgment calls on evidence admissibility and preservation urgency — make autonomously in the field based on legal knowledge and situational assessment.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Departmental evidence collection and records management policies — develop, implement, and update to align with evolving legal standards and best practices.
  2. Emerging forensic identification technologies and methods — evaluate and champion adoption across the identification unit to improve investigative outcomes.
  3. Junior and mid-level identification officers — mentor, train, and evaluate on scene processing, documentation, and court testimony skills.
  4. Agency-wide evidence integrity audits — lead and oversee to ensure compliance with chain-of-custody regulations and court admissibility requirements.
  5. Interagency collaboration with crime labs, prosecutors, and judicial officials — direct to coordinate seamless evidence submission and legal follow-through on major cases.
  6. Quality assurance standards for photographic documentation and forensic reporting — establish and enforce across all identification staff and case types.
  7. Training curricula and standard operating procedures for forensic identification functions — design and deliver using presentation and process-mapping software for the full unit.
  8. Critical incidents involving mass casualty scenes or high-profile crimes — command evidence processing operations, allocating resources and personnel under extreme pressure.
  9. Strategic planning for records management system upgrades — lead in collaboration with IT and administration to modernize database and imaging infrastructure.
  10. Organizational integrity culture within the identification unit — model and sustain through policy enforcement, ethical decision-making, and accountability practices.

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Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Accident Examiner · Accident Investigator · Accident Reconstructionist · Community Service Officer · Computer Forensic Examiner · Computer Forensic Specialist · Corrections Identification Technician · Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst) · Crime Scene Evidence Technician · Crime Scene Examiner · Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) · Crime Scene Specialist
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingWritingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge domains
Law and GovernmentAdministrativeEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityComputers and ElectronicsCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training
Abilities
Oral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingDeductive ReasoningNear VisionWritten ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionSpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition
Work styles
Attention to DetailIntegrityDependabilitySelf-ControlCautiousnessStress Tolerance
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareData base user interface and query softwareOperating system softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwarePresentation softwareProcess mapping and design softwareWord processing softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
  2. Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
  3. Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
  4. Testify in court and present evidence.
  5. Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
  6. Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
  7. Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
  8. Package, store and retrieve evidence.
CIP education codes
03.020829.020343.010043.010743.011443.011543.012143.012243.012343.040243.040343.040543.040743.0408

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.