Crime Analyst – Investigative Services

In brief:
Position requires two years of professional level experience in a law enforcement environment analyzing crime data and mapping with a GIS. Two years of professional experience involving the development and/or application of a crime mapping and/or geographic information system. Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Geography, Computer Science or other applicable field.
Formal City of Madison Job Application Form and responses to supplemental questions required. Resume received without formal application materials will not be considered.

General Responsibilities:
Crime analysis is an analytical process directed at providing timely and pertinent information relative to crime patterns and trends. A key function of this professional position is to assist operational and administrative personnel in deploying resources to prevent and suppress criminal activities, aid the investigative process, and increase apprehensions and the clearances of cases. Within this context, crime analysis supports a number of department functions including patrol deployment, special operations and tactical units, investigations, planning and research, and crime prevention. This is accomplished by formally organizing and developing files, analysis procedures and techniques, and establishing communication channels with the users. This position works under the supervisors of the Investigative Service Unit.

Examples of duties and responsibilities:
Collect, analyze, disseminate, and evaluate crime data, calls for service, and demographic and housing data to discover developing patterns, trends, and changes in criminal activity. Utilize various databases and software such as i2, Penlink, Rigel, ATAC, Crystal Reports, law enforcement records management systems, and ESRI to analyze and interpret crime data related to crime series, patterns, and suspect profiles. Utilize ESRI Geographic Information systems (GIS) and its extensions to produce maps displaying crime activity using skills such as geo-coding and density mapping. Utilize SQL, Access and programming language to streamline analytical tasks. Create analysis reports on criminal activity and changing crime trends and patterns by generating various reports, bulletins, and maps identifying criminal activity, suspect information and prevention methods. Work with various units and districts within the police department on crime-related issues. Present analysis to command staff in order to deploy resources to specific areas of the city experiencing crime series or elevated crime levels. Perform link analysis, time lining, and phone analysis utilizing i2 and Penlink software for various types of crimes. Conduct presentations on crime analysis to citizen groups, city officials, and police personnel. Attend conferences and meetings, and conduct literature review to stay abreast of the latest technology and crime analysis processes. Perform related duties as required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge of a variety of computer software programs, including Microsoft products, particularly Access databases, as well as analytical software such as i2, Penlink, Crystal Reports, ESRI, GIS and accompanying extensions, Rigel, and ATAC. Knowledge of SQL and programming languages is preferred. Knowledge of the techniques used in illustrating crime trends and other law enforcement analysis. Ability to protect the integrity of confidential information. Ability to effectively participate in team projects, show initiative and independent action, and work with tact under pressure. Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in completing assigned tasks which includes managing multipleprojects over extended time periods. Knowledge of applied research methods such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Community Oriented Policing (COP), and Problem Oriented Policing (POP) along with commonly anticipated and utilized crime theories. Ability to clearly communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, complex research methods and findings to both professional and lay audiences. Ability to work effectively and efficiently with commissioned personnel, civilian support staff, and other agencies to determine customer needs, define projects, and think creatively about public safety problems and solutions. Ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and analyze data and reports. Ability to listen effectively, with objectivity and openness, to the views and efforts of various levels within the agency to gain an understanding of their knowledge and perceptions of problems. Ability to locate, read, write and comprehend published crime analysis research. Ability to maintain adequate attendance.

Training and experience:
Two years of professional level experience in a law enforcement environment analyzing crime data and mapping with a GIS. Two years of professional experience involving the development and/or application of a crime mapping and/or geographic information system. Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Geography, Computer Science or other applicable field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.