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 Degrees

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Kaplan University:

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BSCJ - Crime Analysis
AAS in Criminal Justice
AASCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...
BSCJ - Crime Scene Investigation
BS in Criminal Justice
BSCJ - Law Enforcement, Computer Crime, Corrections, Homeland Security...
MS in Criminal Justice
MS in Criminal Justice Global Issues

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University of Phoenix:

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Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
BS IT/Information Systems Security
Master's Information Technology
Master's in Criminal Justice
Information System's Security Certificate

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Walden University Online: Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Higher Learning Commission is one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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BS in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Management & Administration
BS in Criminal Justice - Computer Info Syst & Security
BS in Criminal Justice - Crime & Criminals
BS in Criminal Justice - Human Services for CJ
M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
M.S. in Psychology - Crisis Management and Response
MPA - Homeland Security and Policy Coordination

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Bryant & Stratton College : Bryant & Stratton College Online is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation.

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Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

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University of the Rockies:

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Master of Arts in Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies
Doctor of Psychology - Criminology and Justice Studies

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Virginia College:

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AA in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Criminal Justice
Master's in Cybersecurity

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Lincoln College Online:

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BS in Criminal Justice and The Study of the Criminal Mind

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Rasmussen College Online:

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Associate's in Crime Science Evidence
Associate's in Financial Investigation

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Crime Analysis, Forensics, and Related Programs by State

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Arizona

Everest College:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Criminal Investigations, Criminal Justice

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Mesa and Phoenix

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Florida

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Bachelor's | Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement

Click a Location to Request Program Information => South Florida

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Everest University:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's | Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Tampa, Pompano Beach, Orange Park, and South Orlando

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Keiser University:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's | Crime Scene Tech, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Legal Studies, Paralegal Studies

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Daytona Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, and Tampa

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Rasmussen College:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation/Law Enforcement, Client Services/Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminal Offenders, Homeland Security, Legal/Criminal Justice, Paralegal

Click a Location to Request Program Information =>
Ocala and Pasco County

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Georgia

American InterContinental University:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Dunwoody

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Illinois

Rasmussen College:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation/Law Enforcement, Client Services/Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminal Offenders, Homeland Security

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Rockford

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Missouri

Colorado Technical University:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Cybercrime Investigation, Forensic Investigation, Criminal Justice

Click a Location to Request Program Information => North Kansas City

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North Dakota

Rasmussen College:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's | Crime Scene Evidence, Investigation/Law Enforcement, Client Services/Corrections, Criminal Justice, Criminal Offenders, Homeland Security, Legal/Criminal Justice, Office Mgmt

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Fargo or Bismacrk

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Virginia

George Washington University:

Programs Offered: Master's | Forensic Sciences, High Technology Crime Investigation, Security Management

Click a Location to Request Program Information => Arlington

 

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