In recent years, police agencies have added more crime analysts to help commanders use data to better allocate their resources more efficiently. Crime analysts collect data from many sources, analyze it, and then create reports to disseminate the information to the department. Crime analysts can help agencies find the causes of crime in an area so that management can implement long-term solutions.

Crime analysis can be broken down into three types of analysis: administrative, tactical, and strategic. Tactical tasks often involve short term issues that need immediate attention while strategic tasks focuses on developing long-term solutions to address the underlying causes of crime.

Job Tasks

  • Design and conduct studies to forecast resource needs for the department.
  • Conduct surveys of citizens to learn the public’s satisfaction with the police.
  • Monitor if any crimes are occurring at an abnormal rate in a specific geographic area.
  • Read police reports.
  • Presenting conclusions of analysis to commanders.

Important Skills

  • Proficiency with writing SQL database queries.
  • Proficiency with Geographic Information System (GIS) Software.
  • Able to create charts and graphs with Excel or a graphic design tool.

Possible Job Titles

  • Crime Analyst
  • Crime Analysis Unit Manager
  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Part of the job includes educating police officers on what crime analysis is and how they can help officers reduce crime. They may do presentations to officers to explain the value of crime analysis to police officers and supervisors. Crime analysis may not be taught in academy training, so officers may not be aware of the resources available from the crime analysis team.

“There is critical need for crime analyst. Their work enhances our ability to effectively and efficiently utilize our resources to improve public safety in our communities.” – Sue Rahr, Executive Director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

Both civilians and sworn officers can be hired for the position of crime analyst. The job requirements typically include a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. Some civilians work as interns to gain the required work experience to be considered. Coursework in crime analysis, criminology, and statistics can be useful. Crime analysis can be a good second career for police officers seeking a change of environment.

International Association of Crime Analysts – https://iaca.net

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