Protective Service
Police Identification and Records Officers
Also called: Crime Lab Analyst (Crime Laboratory Analyst), Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist
US median pay
$93,790
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+0.2%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
7,800
120,500 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 3/5 · Medium preparation
What this job is
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
What they do day to day
- 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.
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Time Management3.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Coordination3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Instructing2.9/5
- Service Orientation2.8/5
- Persuasion2.8/5
Knowledge
- Law and Government4.2/5
- Administrative3.8/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Public Safety and Security3.6/5
- Computers and Electronics3.5/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.2/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 3 of 5 — Medium preparation. Usually vocational training, an associate's degree or an apprenticeship.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma35%
- Some college28%
- Bachelor's degree25%
Who this job suits
Mostly Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.