Crime Analyst

Job Title

Performs specialized technical statistical and analytical work to support the Police Department by identifying public safety hazards, crime trends, traffic collision patterns, public safety responses, traffic enforcement priorities and safety issues in the community; all related work as required. Works under the general direction of a Bureau Commander. Most work is performed independently within established laws, policies, accepted procedures and regulations. Work requires analyzing and evaluating facts and circumstances and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions and recommendations. Work reviewed through submission of reports, conferences, discussions, and periodic evaluations. Most work is performed under typical office conditions. Operates computer and general office equipment, such as a personal computer, calculator, copier, facsimile machine and telephone.

Makes regular contact with the general public, lawyers, city employees, local officials as well as officials of outside agencies. Contact is by telephone, in person, and correspondence and personal meetings. Has access to department confidential information, such as reports and personal information regarding citizens. Has access to litigation documents, and to confidential communication between the department, citizens and other outside agencies. Errors in the application of established departmental procedures could result in monetary loss, reduced levels of service confusion and delay in the provision of services and could have legal and/or financial repercussions for the city.

Through statistical treatment of information and by thorough examination of investigative and incident reports, incumbent must identify public safety hazards, crime trends, traffic collision patterns, public safety responses, traffic enforcement priorities, safety issues in the community. Assist the staff units by providing information that transcends into strategic planning as it relates to such topics as crime trends, fire trends, agency resource allocation, crime prevention, traffic engineering and other associated areas of public safety. Collects daily data from records and reports generated from within the Police Department and from outside resources such as other law enforcement/public safety agencies, other government agencies, private organizations and other agencies within the criminal justice system. Employs systematic techniques of analysis and seeks to determine for predictive purposes, the frequency with which events occur. Establish liaison with the vendor of the police department computer information system or any subsequent system(s) in order to make a positive contribution toward the development of computerized management information programs for the Department. Assist in the implementation of and be fully familiar with all software programs that relate to crime, public safety, traffic analysis, and the National Incident Based Reporting System. Collect and gather available data for safety/crime analysis reports from various reports and on-line searches generated by the Management Information System. Review all collision reports and maintain map depicting the locations of fatal, personal injury and property damage traffic collisions within the community during a calendar year. Develop a color code for easier recognition. Generate and distribute public safety/crime analysis and traffic analysis reports to all Commend personnel as directed by the Police Chief. When necessary, develop public safety/crime analysis or traffic analysis reports as approved by the Chief of Police. Become familiar with and remain apprised of all available resources that will provide the factors necessary to generate accurate analysis reports. Some of these factors are: frequency by type of crime; geographic factors; temporal factors; victim and target descriptors; suspect descriptors; suspect vehicle descriptors; modus operandi factors; physical evidence information; problem oriented or community policing strategies; "hot spot" locations; citizen observations and complaints; business and citizen surveys.

Develop and distribute manpower workload analysis reports by utilizing time factors from daily activity records generated by each patrol shift. Generate and maintain monthly state and federal reports including but not limited to annual Uniform Crime Reports. Provide detailed analytical reports to line and staff personnel on a daily, monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual basis as directed by immediate supervisor. Also, provide warrant reports, specialized traffic analysis, fuel usage reports and other administrative reports. Update cable TV notices for police services. Belong to, participate and attend IMC user group meetings. Develop data and mapping necessary for and assist with COMSTAT meetings for supervisors. Assist with the maintenance of police web pages. Perform other such duties as required.

Education and Experience: Associates Degree from an accredited college or university with a major study in criminal justice, computer science, or a related field required; two years of experience in data collection and analysis, program evaluation or management analysis; Experience in a law enforcement environment is highly desirable; Additional experience may be substituted for the degree requirement.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Excellent working knowledge of both personal computer operating systems, and network operating systems; Thorough working knowledge of internal computer components; Working knowledge of web development; Considerable knowledge of modern police science techniques, methods and procedures. Ability to read and understand materials concerning law enforcement related processes and a wide range of technical literature; Ability to work independently, complete assignments in a timely fashion and accept responsibility for produce outcome; Ability to plan, organize and implement with minimum direction; Ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions and recommendations; Ability to make decisions based on experience, giving attention to detail. Effective oral and written communication skills; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Work is typically performed indoors. Noise exposure is moderate. Physical demands generally involve standing, sitting, talking or listening, use of hands to finger, handle or feel, stooping, or reaching with hands and arms up to one-third of the time. Occasionally the incumbent will lift up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision on a computer screen and the ability to adjust focus. Equipment used includes personal computers and peripheral devices, office machines, telephones, microfilm/reader printers.