Crime Analyst Job Description

Many crime analysts are civilians working in police departments or other law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement officers may also be appointed to crime analysis positions. According to the International Association of Crime Analysts, though, civilian analysts generally pursue more training, become certified and tend to stay in the field longer.

Analysts collect, compile, analyze and interpret data that comes from daily police reports and other law enforcement documents and non-law enforcement sources. Data analysis 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.

Crime analyst duties 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) in an effort to identify a suspect for arrest.

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Becoming a Crime Analyst

The requirements to become a crime analyst will vary depending on a police department's location and size. The minimum requirements, based on recent job postings, are a bachelor degree in criminal justice, information systems, public administration, psychology, statistics or a related degree. Some police departments will accept a bachelor's degree in any field emphasizing statistics, math, science, data analysis, and/or problem-solving. Knowledge of statistical and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software, Microsoft access, Windows, working with Excel and other relevant programs is useful. It's also helpful to have 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 another valuable asset. Many of the job postings we found required at least one to three years of experience in addition to a bachelor's degree. The higher paying positions with management responsibilities preferred applicants with a master's level degree.

The bottom line: If you want to become a crime analyst, your first step should be to earn a bachelor's degree and get 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

Payscale.com reports that the salary range for crime analysts is between $34,663 and $73,181. However, our research found that crime analyst salaries often pay in the high $40,000s to low $50,000s, depending on experience, education, location and other factors. Crime analyst jobs at the management level often went up to the $70,000s, while jobs with the federal government had salary ranges from $89,000 to over $115,000 a year.

The job outlook for crime analysts is promising, with demand for formally educated crime analysts increasing over the last decade. The looming recession has created skepticism around certain careers but crime is prevalent in any economy, and the need for people who can help fight crime will continue to be strong. This is an excellent time to start researching a crime analyst career. If you think this might be the career for you, get the training you need to succeed at any of the fully accredited schools below.