Crime Analyst

Job Summary

Under general supervision, the Crime Analyst collects, analyzes, interprets, and disseminates crime and law enforcement data to support strategic planning, investigative operations, resource deployment, and crime prevention initiatives. This position plays a critical role in identifying crime patterns, trends, and emerging threats to inform investigative strategies, operational planning, and data-driven decision-making. Individuals in this role are expected to demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable insights. This position provides statistical analysis, crime trend forecasting, mapping, and intelligence products to assist command staff and officers in making informed operational decisions.

Major Duties

Collects and compiles criminal intelligence information and statistics through personal contact, consulting research, and documenting information to generate intelligence data for support in criminal investigations.

Conducts complex research and strategic crime analysis by using probability studies, performing statistical analyses, developing and testing hypotheses, and developing victim and suspect profiles to predict criminal activity patterns and trends.

Develops and delivers detailed reports, intelligence documents, presentations, and briefings on criminal intelligence analysis to disseminate to agency personnel, prosecutors, and other law enforcement agencies.

Manages and monitors databases by editing and updating records, organizing information, and researching software to compile relevant crime-related information.

Establishes and maintains communication with external entities (e.g., law enforcement, district attorneys, state/federal agencies) to exchange information related to crime investigations.

Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

Works with Police Chief to ensure crime trend modeling is a part of the criminal investigation process.

Manages online community mapping software and website.

Collects, analyzes, and interprets data and statistics using qualitative and quantitative methods; prepares and presents complex and detailed statistical reports.

Uses computer databases, electronic spreadsheets, geographic information systems applications, desktop publishing, work processing, and statistical applications to manipulate, analyzes, and present crime data.

Prepares maps, charts, and graphs indicating crime trends and provides analysis and explanations for these trends.

Analyzes, organizes, and delivers relevant information to officers, detectives, and others.

Reviews a variety of information, including crime reports and associated databases for the purpose of finding patterns in criminal activity; relates those patterns to crimes under investigation.

Identifies city-wide spatial and temporal crime patterns and trends.

Uses integrated relational computer systems to create and access database files and prepares statistical charts, graphs, and exhibits.

Develops and produces crime maps using geographic information systems applications and conducts spatial analysis of crime data.

Performs related duties

Minimum Qualifications

Must have a High School Diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years of age.

Associate’s degree (or higher) in criminal justice, business, data analysis, law enforcement, homeland security, or related field. Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred.

At least five (5) years of experience working as a Crime Analyst.

Ability to obtain NCIC (National Crime Information Center) certification within 90 days of hire.

Never been convicted of a felony. Never been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude or serious misdemeanor (e.g., 3rd degree assault, domestic violence, weapon or drug charges).

Valid Alabama Driver’s license, or the ability to obtain one.

Experience using databases, spreadsheets, or comparable information systems to collect, organize, verify, and analyze data or information for accuracy, relevance, and to identify trends.

Experience conducting structured research using verifiable sources to identify patterns, relationships, timelines, and potential outcomes, and to summarize findings (e.g., summary reports, market research, investigation summaries).

Knowledge of criminal justice systems and law enforcement operations.

Knowledge of statistics pertaining to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of mathematical data, including predicting and forecasting based on data.

Knowledge of crime and statistical analysis principles and practices.

Knowledge of basic law enforcement procedures and terminology.

Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) management principles.

Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

Knowledge of relational databases.

Knowledge of modern office practices and principles.

Skill in advanced data analysis and statistical interpretation.

Skill in using analytical software (e.g. Excel, Access, etc.)

Skill in technical report writing.

Skill in critical thinking and problem solving.

Skill in managing confidential and sensitive information.

Skill in interpersonal relations.

Skill in oral and written communication.

Ability to Identify crime patterns and emerging trends.

Ability to interpret complex datasets accurately.

Ability to communicate technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Supplemental Information

Guidelines

Guidelines include accepted research methodologies, software user manuals, and department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.Complexity/Scope of Work

The work consists of varied analytical duties. The need for accuracy and attention to detail contributes to the complexity of the position.

The purpose of this position is to collect, analyze and report on a criminal data. Successful performance contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of department operations.Contacts

Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city employees, software developers, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, and members of the general public.

Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.Physical Demands/Work Environment

Work is conducted both indoors in an office setting as well as occasional field visits to external sites.

Work involves the use of standard office equipment, such as a computer, phone, copier, etc.Supervisory and Management Responsibility

None.