Crime Analyst Job Description

The majority of crime analysts are civilians working in police departments or other law enforcement agencies. A law enforcement officer may also be appointed to a crime analysis position. Analysts collect, compile, analyze and interpret data that comes from daily police reports and related law enforcement feeds as well as non-law enforcement sources. Analysis of data is conducted using complex statistical and mapping software. The results are then used to prepare maps, graphs and reports that help determine crime patterns, crime trends, law enforcement personnel allocations, and related items. This data is used to predict and prevent future crimes. Crime analysts will present these findings to law enforcement administration, major crime and investigators. Crime analyst duties will often focus on current serial robbery, rape and murder investigations. Analysts are involved in creating suspect profiles utilizing and correlating available statistics about the crimes and criminal M.O. (modus operandi) that will hopefully identify a suspect for arrest.

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Becoming a Crime Analyst

The requirements for becoming a crime analyst will vary by department location and size. The minimum requirements, based on recent job posting in the United States, is a bachelor degree in criminal justice, information systems, public administration, psychology, statistics or a related degree. Knowledge of statistical and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software, Microsoft access, Windows, working with Excel and other relevant programs is useful. Knowledge of statistical methods such as, regression analysis and trend projections. The ability to communicate and interact with administration, members of law enforcement and the public is a valuable trait. Many of the job postings we found required at least 1 year of experience in addition to a bachelor degree. The higher paying positions with management responsibility preferred applicants with a master's level degree.

The bottom line: Your first step should be to earn a bachelor's degree and gain as much experience in statistical analysis as you can through elective courses and internships. Internships with your local police department's crime analysis department can provide invaluable experience.

Crime Analyst Salary and Job Outlook

Indeed.com reports that the average annual salary for crime analysts is $57,000. Our research found that crime analyst salaries range from $28,000 to well over $66,000 a year depending on experience, education, location and related factors. The job outlook for crime analysts is promising with demand for formally educated crime analysts increasing over the last decade. The looming threat of recession has created skepticism around certain career fields, but crime is prevalent in any economy and the need for law enforcement professionals and those who can help fight crime will continue to be in demand. This is an excellent time to start researching a career as a crime analyst.

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Crime Analysis and Related Criminal Justice Degrees

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BSCJ - Crime Analysis
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Bachelor of Science Psychology
Bachelor in Criminal Justice
Master in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science Information Technology