Crime Analyst

Position Summary

Identifies and reports spatial and temporal trends and patterns of criminal activity that directly affect manpower deployment, performs data analysis and interprets data regarding criminal activity from internal and external reports and databases, works closely with detectives, outside agencies, and specialized investigative unites by researching and locating information for cases and compiling information on case components, and reports crime statistics, patters, and trends.

Essential Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Identifies and reports spatial and temporal trends and patterns of criminal activity that directly affect manpower deployment.
• Performs data analysis and reports crime statistics, patterns, and trends by extracting and interpreting data regarding criminal activity from internal and external reports and databases. 
• Reviews crimes with a particular emphasis on robbery, auto and business burglaries, sex crimes, theft, and other major incidents.
• Determines criminal association and patterns of criminal activity relating to specific offenders or groups of offenders. 
• Conducts research on suspects or criminals; collects, compiles and analyzes intelligence data.
• Provides tactical analysis of crime data directed towards the short-term development of patrol and investigative priorities and the deployment of police resources, focusing on individual high-profile crimes, crime patterns, and specific crime series.
• Works closely with detectives, outside agencies and specialized investigative units by researching and locating information for cases, including suspect identification, and compiling information on suspects and other case components.
• Analyzes secondary sales data and information, including but not limited to pawn shop, precious metal sales, scrap metal receipts and activity for any significant patterns, which may be attributed to known offenders.
• Assists in maintaining internal databases of selected persons such as known burglars, narcotics users, gang members and other selected groups.
• Creates spreadsheets, reports, databases, maps, and automated files for information management functions and distribution to all levels of the Department.
• Establishes and maintains professional contacts; acts as Crime Analysis liaison with other agencies, departments, and citizens; and works with other law enforcement agencies to compile and exchange information about similar crimes and mutual suspects.
• Prepares reports, crime bulletins, crime summaries and crime comparisons on a regular basis.
• Responds to requests for crime information from other law enforcement organizations and communicates courteously and effectively with all parties.
• Responds to requests for crime information from personnel for various purposes including special projects, presentations, or for distribution to media or community groups.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, GIS Technologies, Research Methodology, Statistics, Criminal Justice, or related field. Every 2 years of related job experience may substitute for one year of the education required

Experience: 2 years of experience in data analysis, trend analysis, research methods, statistics and interpreting data required. Interpreting data in a law enforcement environment preferred.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements. 

Licenses and Certifications:Must obtain TCIC/NCIC certification within 6 months of hire. Certification in crime analysis from the International Association of Crime Analysist or similar organization or ability to obtain within two years of employment.

Conditions of Employment:Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test. Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class “C” and good driving record as defined by City policy.

Other Requirements: This position is subject to emergency operations.  The individual holding this position will be required to work as usual or as needed: during emergency operations, in preparation for prolonged emergency operations and/ or during recovery from prolonged emergency operations as directed by  their direct supervisor, Department Head or designee, or the City Manager or designee. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Academically accepted methodologies for research and statistical analysis; GIS mapping processes and techniques; principles, practices, and techniques of crime analysis; operations and activities of police departments and police procedures; use of Microsoft Office Suite to include Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Access.

Skilled in:Performing internet and database searches; maintaining accurate detailed records; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; using research methods, statistical analysis, GIS mapping, and computer tools and resources to produce comprehensive reports and other relevant products; establishing a working knowledge of relational databases and SQL; maintaining a high level of confidentiality regarding investigations and police operations; collecting and analyzing statistical criminal data; determining trends in criminal activities; determining appropriate visual presentations of statistics of facts; organizing information into clear and concise reports; working under pressure within time constraints; understanding detailed information; working independently while adjusting priorities and/or meeting deadlines; quickly recognizing and analyzing irregular events; using ESRI’s ArcGIS platform; identifying and using potential sources of data; gathering, recording, organizing data, and determining appropriate visual presentations of statistics and factual data; critical thinking and problem solving; recognizing trends, patterns, and offender associations relating to crime in reports; using relational or analytical databases such as Accurint, TLO, NDEX, LinX, and/or intelligence databases; using a personal computer including Microsoft Office, Open Office or similar word processing programs, e-mail, and the internet; accepting responsibility for his/her actions; performing work accurately and thoroughly; following instructions, safety practices, and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks; communicating effectively, clearly, and concisely both orally and in writing; being punctual and attending work regularly; and working effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds. 

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. 

The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.   The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Work Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7:30am-5:30pm, Friday 7:30am-11:30am.