Crime Analyst

Description

Under the general direction of the Special Operations Captain, this position is responsible for timely and accurate crime and intelligence information and analysis to support strategic, administrative and operational functions of the Blaine Police Department.  Responsibilities include providing accurate and timely crime and intelligence information and analysis in support of patrol operations, criminal investigations, and crime prevention in support of agency goals and policing efforts.  This position will work in collaboration with each of the Public Safety divisions to collect and analyze data to describe call-for-service needs, crime patterns, crime trends, and potential suspects; assist in the investigative process; increase the apprehension of offenders; aide in crime prevention efforts; and, assist in services delivery.

Examples of Duties

1. Provide accurate, timely and relevant analysis of crime patterns, series and trends that aid in the efficient deployment of departmental resources and that increase apprehensions and the clearance of criminal cases.
2. Create databases, timelines and link charts for analysis, extracting and verifying pertinent information, managing and organizing information, performing data mining, and proactively developing targets for further investigation.
3. Analyze known offenders’ methods of operation and establish timelines to perform suspect/crime correlation in order to provide suspect leads and targets for surveillance or directed patrols.
4. Assist in directing the investigation and prosecution of crimes by researching and gathering electronic information that can be utilized by investigators to develop leads, locate witnesses and/or suspects and strategically further a case.  Work with investigators to obtain search warrants as needed in order to access private information.
5. Provide statistical analysis to supervisors about the job productivity of employees by division or department.
6. Provide statistical analysis and reporting of crimes, including predictive and/or patterned analysis, to identify current crime trends and make inferences of future criminal activities.
7. Prepare monthly statistical analysis presentations and strategic assessments for use in budget projections and staffing deployments.
8. Research, organize, compile and analyze data and information for assigned special projects.
9. Create Blaine-based information advisories to share timely information with department staff, community members, local businesses and public safety partners.
10. Provide staff with real-time intelligence during critical incidents.
11. Manage department’s social media to enhance the department’s ability to solve crimes and share critical information in a timely manner.
12. Network with analysts and crime prevention specialists from other departments to promote information sharing.
13. Manage the information flow from regional, statewide and federal agencies in an accurate, efficient and legal manner.
14. Take the lead role in providing analysis of information during multi-jurisdictional investigations.
15. Attends regular roll calls with Patrol and Investigations to gather and disseminate information on criminal activity using GIS or related mapping to identify and plan targeted enforcement activities.
16. Use crime mapping and geographic information systems to demonstrate relationships and enhance the visual presentation of the research data to prepare routine and comprehensive written reports upon request.
17. Prepare routine and comprehensive written reports and make clear oral presentations upon request.  Assist staff in the assembly and presentation of information for police initiatives as requested or needed.
18. Respond to public inquiries regarding crime trends and crime prevention.
19. Provide expert testimony as required.
20. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Proficient knowledge in related State and Federal laws including the Minnesota Data Practices Act. Works with staff to ensure guidelines are adhered to.
2. Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies and techniques of crime analysis, crime prevention and law enforcement.
3. In depth knowledge of private versus public information; high ability to ascertain appropriate timing to obtain a search warrant to obtain desired information.
4. Ability to use past information to identify potential future crime information/patterns.
5. Ability to identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
6. Knowledge of Community Policing and Problem Solving Policing concepts.
7. Excellent oral and written communication skills including a high ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner.
8. Proficient ability to write clearly and succinctly and tailor message to a variety of communication settings and styles.
9. Proficient and demonstrated problem solving skills, including a high ability to: analytically examine a problem and identify a logical, systematic, sequential approach to solving; identify a set of features, parameters or considerations to take into account when determining a course of action; and, identify discrepancies and inconsistencies in available information; systematically compare two or more alternatives.
10. Ability to prioritize work assignments and manage project timelines.
11. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
12. Proficient in a variety of software applications including ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst and ATAC Raids.

Minimum Qualifications 

1. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Forensics Geography, Computer Science, Criminology, Statistics, Criminal Justice, or closely related field.
2. Crime Analyst Certification, or related.
3. Two (2) years of responsible experience performing crime analysis.
4. Five (5) years’ experience utilizing Microsoft Office (Work, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications

1. GIS or computer-based analysis program experience.
2. Experience working within law enforcement databases including, but not limited to, Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension ISS, JNet, E-charging, MNCIS, and other commercial and non-commercial web based databases.
3. A+ Certification.
4. i2 program experience.
5. ArcGIS, Spatial Analyst and/or ATAC Raids software experience.