Crime Analyst I/II/Senior

DEFINITION: Crime Analyst I/II: The Crime Analyst I/II prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information and recommendations relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of patrol deployment, crime prevention, and the apprehension of suspects. Senior Crime Analyst: The Senior Crime Analyst prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information and recommendations relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of patrol deployment, crime prevention, and the apprehension of suspects.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:  Crime Analyst I/II: Receives immediate and general direction from the Police Chief or designee.  No direct supervision of staff is exercised. Senior Crime Analyst: The Senior Crime Analyst receives general direction from the Police Chief or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised. Responsibilities may include the indirect and/or functional supervision of lower-level staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:  This civilian series position is involved in the analysis of criminal activities and crime series trends and patterns in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in the deployment of resources and apprehension of suspects.  This position is responsible for developing research protocols, analyzing, reporting, and coordinating the dissemination of the information gathered, and assisting in the development of processes for field-based data capture.    

The Crime Analyst I is the entry level classification within the Crime Analyst series. The classification is used for employees to learn the duties of a Crime Analyst in the City of West Sacramento.  Initially, under close supervision, the incumbent performs the more routine duties while learning City policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices.  As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision.  

The Crime Analyst II is considered the journey level in the series, exercising more independence of direction and judgement and knowledge of analysis of criminal activities and crime series trends.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Crime Analyst in that the latter serves as the advanced level in the series.

The Crime Analyst I is flexibly staffed with the Crime Analyst II and advancement to the Crime Analyst II shall occur after satisfactorily performing the duties of a Crime Analyst I for two (2) year. Satisfactory performance means an overall satisfactory or higher rating on the performance evaluation during the last evaluation period. 

Upon recommendation and approval of the Police Chief, a Crime Analyst II may advance to the Senior Crime Analyst upon attaining the minimum qualifications for the position, demonstrating the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Senior Crime Analyst duties and successfully completing an approved career progression plan.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   (Illustrative Only):   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.

• Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of procedures, policies, and objectives of the Crime Analysis Unit. 
• Prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity. 
• Prepares recommendations relative to patrol deployment and other department programs. 
• Conducts special research and analytical studies of suspects, incidents, and crime patterns. 
• Develops data collection and recording systems. 
• Maintains manual and automated systems for storage and retrieval of crime information, including logging crime reports, determining what information to store, and making data entries.
• Prepares and produces crime data reports and studies. 
• Applies knowledge of criminal justice system and standard police procedures to determine methodology of collecting and collating data from a variety of sources for analytical use. 
• Operates mainframe and PC based computer systems and related peripherals, including disk drives, modems, plotters, and various printers. 
• Develops and maintains effective liaison with state and local law enforcement agencies to exchange intelligence information.
• Prepares and presents oral and written reports at meetings and briefings. 
• Provides staff training.
• Prepares and assists in the administration of grants, including the preparation of quarterly and annual reports, and other special administrative projects.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education:  A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, behavioral or computer science, statistics, public or business administration or a closely-related field including course work in research and statistical methods.  

Experience:  Crime Analyst I: One (1) year of increasingly responsible analytical staff work.  Crime Analyst II: Two (2) year of experience performing duties comparable to a Crime Analyst I with the City of West Sacramento. Senior Crime Analyst: Two (2) year of experience performing duties comparable to a Crime Analyst II with the City of West Sacramento. (4 total years of comparable experience performing duties related to a Crime Analyst.)

Current or prior experience with a criminal justice agency in dealing with criminal information is desirable.   Qualifying experience in the analysis of criminal activities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: If required, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver’s license.

Crime Analyst I/II:  Crime Analyst I/II: Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program is highly desirable. Possession of POST Certificates in: Introduction to Crime Analysis, Advanced Concepts in Crime Analysis, and/or Criminal Intelligence are highly desirable. Senior Crime Analyst: Possession of either a Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program or POST Certificates in: Introduction to Crime Analysis, Advanced Concepts in Crime Analysis, and/or Criminal Intelligence.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time. Prior to assignment at the Police Department, an employee must successfully pass a background investigation.  The background investigation is required on all civilian Police Department personnel who will have access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) equipment and Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI). 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.  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, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.  Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.  Positions in this classification occasionally lift and carry reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:  Employees work in an office and field environment in support of law enforcement 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 department guidelines, policies and procedures.