Police Records Officer

Your Fit

Income

$104K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

1.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Police Records Officer?

A Police Records Officer is responsible for managing, organizing, and maintaining various types of records within a police department. This includes handling, updating, and retrieving critical information related to criminal activities, warrants, and incident reports.

Sample job titles:

Crime Scene Investigator, Crime Scene Technician, Criminalist, Forensic Specialist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Police Records Officer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Police Records Officer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Police Records Officer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$67K per year	$83K per year	$104K per year	$114K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $39K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Police Records Officer do?

Work environment

Police Records Officers typically work in police departments or law enforcement agencies. Their environment is primarily office-based, involving significant use of computers and database systems. They often interact with law enforcement personnel, the public, and other agencies.

Quick task list

Maintains and updates incident reports, criminal records, and other police documents.
Assists in the processing of warrants, subpoenas, and requests for information.
Manages databases and filing systems, both electronic and paper-based.
Responds to public and internal inquiries regarding police records.
Ensures confidentiality and security of police records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Criminal Records Management: Specializing in managing and updating criminal records databases.
Public Records Coordination: Handling public records requests and maintaining transparency with legal regulations.
Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyzing records to produce reports and insights for law enforcement use.
Digital Records Management: Specializing in electronic records and database management.
Compliance and Auditing: Ensuring record-keeping practices comply with legal standards and policies.

Description

The role of a Police Records Officer is crucial in the administrative aspect of law enforcement. They ensure that crucial information is accurately recorded, stored, and retrievable when needed. This requires not only a keen eye for detail but also an understanding of law enforcement processes and sensitivity to the confidential nature of the records. They play a key role in supporting law enforcement activities by providing accurate and timely information, which is essential for investigations, legal proceedings, and community safety.

In addition to technical skills in record-keeping and database management, Police Records Officers must possess strong communication skills. They frequently interact with law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and the public, often handling sensitive inquiries and requests. Good organizational skills and the ability to multitask are also essential in this role, given the volume and variety of records they manage.

The position of a Police Records Officer offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public safety and justice from behind the scenes. It is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, organized, and interested in the administrative side of law enforcement.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement operations.
Managing critical information that aids in upholding law and order.
Working in a role that combines administrative skills with public service.

You might make a good Police Records Officer if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a knack for organizing and managing information.
Interested in law enforcement and criminal justice.
Skilled in using computers and database systems.
Able to handle confidential information responsibly.
Good at communicating with a variety of individuals and departments.

Pros:

Stable employment in a government or law enforcement setting.
Opportunities to contribute to public safety indirectly.
A structured work environment with regular hours.

Cons:

The job can be repetitive and involve extensive time working with databases and records.
Handling sensitive or graphic information can be emotionally challenging.
Limited direct involvement in law enforcement or field activities.

How to become a Police Records Officer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required. Some employers may prefer postsecondary education in administration, records management, public administration, or criminal justice, though it is not always mandatory.

High school preparation

Courses:

Computer science to develop skills in database management and information technology.
English or communication for effective written and verbal communication skills.
Government or civics to understand the workings of law enforcement and public administration.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Join clubs or programs focused on law, debate, or public service.
Volunteer for community service projects, particularly those related to law enforcement.
Participate in internships or job shadowing opportunities in administrative or clerical roles.

Preparation after high school

Pursue postsecondary education in criminal justice, records management, public administration, or a related field, which can be helpful but is not always required.
Gain experience in administrative, clerical, or data-entry roles, preferably in a law enforcement, court, or government setting.
Develop skills in records management systems, databases, and information privacy, including familiarity with confidentiality requirements.
Complete job-specific training provided by the police service, covering law enforcement procedures, records protocols, and legal standards.

More resources

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) - Provides resources and information on various law enforcement roles and practices.
National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) - Offers resources and advocacy for criminal justice professionals.
American Records Management Association (ARMA International) - A resource for records and information management professionals.
Public Records Online Directory - A guide to public records resources in the United States.
PoliceOne Academy - Online training resource for law enforcement personnel, including courses relevant to records management.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.