Police Identification and Records Officers
What is a Police Identification and Records Officer?
Police Identification and Records Officers are specialized professionals within law enforcement agencies who manage, process, and maintain police records and identification data. Their primary responsibility is to ensure the accurate documentation of police-related activities, including arrests, incidents, and investigations. These officers play a vital role in the criminal justice system by providing crucial data that aids in solving crimes and maintaining public safety.
Their day-to-day tasks often involve managing databases, conducting fingerprint analysis, and processing various forms of identification for both suspects and victims. They may assist in ensuring that records are accessible for legal proceedings, administer background checks, and serve as a point of contact for information requests from other law enforcement agencies or the public.
Police Identification and Records Officers are also responsible for adhering to legal regulations regarding confidentiality and the handling of sensitive information, which is critical in maintaining the integrity of the police department. Furthermore, they often provide training and guidance to other staff members on maintaining accurate records and understanding the legal implications of their work.
As technology evolves, these officers utilize advanced computer systems and software to store and retrieve records efficiently, making their role increasingly technical. They may also engage in continuous education to keep up with changes in laws, technology, and best practices in records management. Overall, Police Identification and Records Officers contribute significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations, ensuring that vital information is readily available for the pursuit of justice.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- DesignWare 3D EyeWitness
- Digital Image Management Solutions Crime Scene
- SmartDraw Legal
- The CAD Zone The Crime Zone
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Data base user interface and query software
- DataWorks Plus Digital CrimeScene
- Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS
- Microsoft Access
- National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
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Operating system software
- Linux
- Microsoft Windows
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
- Camera lens
- Footprint lifters
- Notebook computers
- Biological evidence collection kits
- Ultraviolet UV lamps
Knowledge
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Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Skills
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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.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Document legal or regulatory information.
- Write operational reports.
- Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures.
- Testify at legal or legislative proceedings.
- Analyze crime scene evidence.
Work Interests
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$50670.0 - $154360.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.