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How a police identification / records officer can use AI, task by task

O*NET 33-3021.02: Police Identification and Records OfficersMedian pay $93,790/year (BLS, May 2025)16 tasksJob Zone 3: Medium preparation

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

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Evidence Technician (Evidence Tech), Field Identification Specialist, Forensic Specialist, Identification Technician (Identification Tech), Latent Fingerprint Examiner, Police Officer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 16%AI-assist 11%Stays human 73%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 3 AI-assist and 11 human-led tasks out of 16. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.Write it up · Daily
  2. Take fingerprints.Write it up · Monthly
  3. Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.Coordinate & message · Monthly

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.Hands-on work · Weekly
  2. Package, store and retrieve evidence.Hands-on work · Weekly
  3. Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.Hands-on work · Weekly

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.

Daily

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Activities: [forestry, unit operations]
Notes: [paste]

Draft the report. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Activity report

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain records of evidence (today).
Step 2Fill in [Activities] and [Notes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Write operational reports.. Also involves: Document legal or regulatory information..

Take fingerprints.

Monthly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to take fingerprints.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Record type: [identification, incident]
Details: [describe, no names in chat]

Draft a factual record template. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Custody record entry

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you take fingerprints.
Step 2Fill in [Record type] and [Details] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record information about suspects or criminals..

AI can help you prep these 3

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.

Monthly

AI drafts clear messages and talking points.

Show prompt & steps

AI can draft updates, emails and talking points so your message is clear and complete. Relationships and real-time calls are yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.

Context: We use National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database and SmartDraw Legal.
Case: [type]
Agency: [describe]

Draft a message within sharing rules. Keep it under 150 words with a clear ask, plus a 2-sentence version for chat.

10-minute exercise: Inter-agency information sharing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you serve as technical advisor and coordinate. Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Case] and [Agency] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Edit it until it sounds like you, then send it yourself. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Never let AI send messages for you. Read every word, because tone mistakes cost trust.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collaborate with law enforcement or security agencies to share information..

Interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.

Weekly

AI helps you prepare questions; the listening is yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to prepare better questions and to organize your notes afterward. Listening to the person in front of you is yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Case type: [fire, crime, incident]
Who to interview: [witness, owner, suspect]

Write an interview plan: order of people, open questions, follow-ups, and how to document statements. Order the questions sensibly, add follow-ups for vague answers, and give me a note-taking template.

10-minute exercise: Witness interview plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you interview survivors, witnesses and suspects (this week). Leave out names and identifying details.
Step 2Fill in [Case type] and [Who to interview] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare it with your agency's interview procedure. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Don't record people or paste their answers into AI without consent and your employer's approval.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Interview people to gather information about criminal activities..

Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.

A few times a year

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.

Context: We use Microsoft Access and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Program: [describe]
Instructors and classes: [describe]

Organize assignments and schedules. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Training program admin

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services.
Step 2Fill in [Program] and [Instructors and classes] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 3.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct employee training programs..

These stay human 11

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Face-to-face discussions: once a week or more but not every day · Frequency of decisions: once a week or more but not every day · Contact with others: contact with others most of the time · Impact of decisions: important results

Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Evidence: [exhibits, property]
Rules: [chain of custody]

List logging and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you submit evidence (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Evidence] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures..

Package, store and retrieve evidence.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to package, store and retrieve evidence.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Evidence: [exhibits, property]
Rules: [chain of custody]

List logging and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you package, store and retrieve evidence (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Evidence] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures..

Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Scene: [crime, fire, accident]
Rules: [agency procedures]

List shot sequence and documentation. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Scene photography

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you photograph crime or accident scenes (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Scene] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras..

Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Incident: [fire, crime, explosion]
Evidence: [items collected]

Outline analysis steps, hypotheses to test and documentation. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence analysis plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you analyze and process evidence (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it to structure your next report. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Analyze crime scene evidence.. Also involves: Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures..

Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Type of scene: [burglary, assault, vehicle, fire]
Protocol: [your agency's scene procedure]

Make a scene documentation checklist: photos, measurements, sketches, evidence markers and the order to do them in. Add a sketch template and a list of things that are easy to forget.

10-minute exercise: Scene documentation checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you look for trace evidence.
Step 2Fill in [Type of scene] and paste the key points of your [Protocol].
Step 3Review the checklist against a past scene report. Would it have caught anything you missed?

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence..

Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.

Monthly

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Type of scene: [burglary, assault, vehicle, fire]
Protocol: [your agency's scene procedure]

Make a scene documentation checklist: photos, measurements, sketches, evidence markers and the order to do them in. Add a sketch template and a list of things that are easy to forget.

10-minute exercise: Scene documentation checklist

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you dust selected areas of crime scene.
Step 2Fill in [Type of scene] and paste the key points of your [Protocol].
Step 3Review the checklist against a past scene report. Would it have caught anything you missed?

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence..

Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Evidence: [exhibits, property]
Rules: [chain of custody]

List logging and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence processing

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you process film and prints (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Evidence] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Process forensic or legal evidence in accordance with procedures..

Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Incident: [fire, crime, explosion]
Evidence: [items collected]

Outline analysis steps, hypotheses to test and documentation. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Evidence analysis plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Incident] and [Evidence] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Use it to structure your next report.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Analyze crime scene evidence.. Also involves: Use databases to locate investigation details or other information..

Testify in court and present evidence.

A few times a year

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to testify in court and present evidence.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Proceeding: [court, hearing, legislative]
Topic: [findings, violations, investigation]

Help me prepare: key facts in order, likely questions including hostile ones, and how to answer calmly and only within my knowledge. Then cross-examine me.

10-minute exercise: Testimony prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you testify in court.
Step 2Fill in [Proceeding] and [Topic] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Review with counsel and stick strictly to facts you can support. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Testify at legal or legislative proceedings..

Perform emergency work during off-hours.

Monthly

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to perform emergency work during off-hours.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Emergency type: [medical, alarm, threat]
Procedures: [summary]

Run a tabletop scenario with me, asking what I'd do at each step. Suggest ways to open, phrases to avoid, and how to handle it if things get tense. Then play the other person so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Emergency response rehearsal

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you perform emergency work.
Step 2Fill in [Emergency type] and [Procedures] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare your answers with your official procedures. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Respond to emergencies to provide assistance..

Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Job details: [sketches and diagrams: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to create sketches and diagrams (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: sketches and diagrams

Step 1Before you next create sketches and diagrams, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details].
Step 2Strike anything that doesn't match your manual or site rules. Add the steps only experience teaches.
Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Draw detailed or technical illustrations..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities
  • Writingimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Performing Administrative Activities
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Analyzing Data or Information
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Getting Information

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Monitoringimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Coordinationimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Persuasionimportance 2.8/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  • Negotiationimportance 2.5/5
    Used in: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

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

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a police identification / records officer. Part of my job is to use drone technology for aerial photography and videography of crime scenes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, administrative and public safety and security.
Scene: [crime, fire, accident]
Rules: [agency procedures]

List shot sequence and documentation. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Scene photography

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you use drone technology.
Step 2Fill in [Scene] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Use photographic or video equipment to document evidence or crime scenes.” (Forensic Science Technicians), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Record crime or accident scene evidence with video or still cameras.. Also involves: Examine crime scenes to obtain evidence.; Document events or evidence, using photographic or audiovisual equipment..

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (35% of workers)

  • High school or less 35%
  • Certificate or some college 30%
  • Associate's 11%
  • Bachelor's 25%
  • On-the-job training: 6–12 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years
  • Professional certification: important (3.3/5)

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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