Description
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
- • Photograph crime or accident scenes for evidence records.
- • Testify in court and present evidence.
- • Dust selected areas of crime scene and lift latent fingerprints, adhering to proper preservation procedures.
- • Look for trace evidence, such as fingerprints, hairs, fibers, or shoe impressions, using alternative light sources when necessary.
- • Package, store and retrieve evidence.
- • Perform emergency work during off-hours.
- • Process film and prints from crime or accident scenes.
- • Maintain records of evidence and write and review reports.
- • Submit evidence to supervisors, crime labs, or court officials for legal proceedings.
- • Identify, compare, classify, and file fingerprints, using systems such as Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) or the Henry Classification System.
- • Serve as technical advisor and coordinate with other law enforcement workers or legal personnel to exchange information on crime scene collection activities.
- • Coordinate or conduct instructional classes or in-services, such as citizen police academy classes and crime scene training for other officers.
- • Interview survivors, witnesses, suspects, and other law enforcement personnel.
- • Analyze and process evidence at crime scenes, during autopsies, or in the laboratory, wearing protective equipment and using powders and chemicals.
- • Create sketches and diagrams, by hand or computer software, to depict crime scenes.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Related Pathways
Public Service & Safety
View
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
