Crime Analyst

The Crime Analyst performs complex technical and administrative duties to analyze crime patterns and trends to assist the Police Department management and operational personnel in planning the deployment of resources for the prevention and suppression of criminal activities, in a non-sworn capacity. Works with general supervision and reports to the General Investigations Bureau Commander (typically a Lieutenant).

To learn more about the Charlottesville Police Department, please visit: https://www.charlottesville.gov/1741/Police

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $28.68 - $35.26 an hour ($59,654.32-$73,331.58 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. 

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visithttps://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system which offers both a defined benefit and a defined contribution option.  While the City does not participate in VRS, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Analyzes and researches crime data and call-for-service data to determine developing patterns and trends in criminal activity in the City, utilizing a variety of databases and software to collect, collate, and interpret data related to crime series, patterns, and suspects.
• Presents information on crime patterns and trends at Police Department briefings and other departmental meetings; responds to special or one-time requests for crime analysis information related to specific investigations or policing strategies.
• Prepares and distributes daily crime bulletins, weekly and monthly reports, career criminal profiles, information on serious, habitual offenders, crime summaries, and trend analyses to department units as appropriate.
• Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to produce computer-generated maps displaying criminal activity throughout the City.
• Attends meetings and conferences to stay abreast of the latest crime analysis and trends' forecasting processes and technologies.
• Works with various units within the police department on crime related issues.
• Conducts training courses on crime analysis and forecasting for citizens groups and Police Officers. Effectively facilitates resolution of situations, utilizing available resources.
• Maintains applicable databases and files in accordance with retention requirements.
• Develops and maintains contacts with crime analysts in surrounding jurisdictions to share information.
• Represents the department and City in meetings with other agencies.
• Assists with conducting special studies, projects and programs, and generating various reports involving the broad scope of crime analysis.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. 
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties:

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Associate Degree in criminal justice, information technology or related analytical field AND at least one (1) year of research and analysis experience.

• High School Diploma or GED PLUS some college- or university-level coursework AND at least three (3) years of research and analysis experience.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

• Two (2) or more years of experience in the analysis of criminal justice or crime data.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Virginia Driver License and an acceptable driving record OR must be able to provide own transportation to and from work, meetings, and related job sites.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:
Job Knowledge:

• Knowledge and ability to research and analyze law enforcement data/information such as trend analysis, link analysis, and predictive analysis.
• Knowledge of basic organization and functions of municipal law enforcement and criminal law, related to crime analysis and dissemination of confidential information; modern research techniques including research design and statistical analysis; applications of various computer software programs, including spreadsheet, database, word processing, graphics, and GIS mapping; recordkeeping principles and procedures; modern police methods and procedures related to crime prevention and crime analysis. 
• Knowledge of various sources and methods of obtaining data/information and knowledge of jurisdictions of the city, and other agencies.
• Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures, ordinances, state, traffic, and criminal law.

Reading:

• Intermediate: ability to read and understand regulations, codes, policies, procedures, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials, including police reports, court documents, and others. Reviews documents for professional, technical, and content errors.

Writing:

• Intermediate: ability to organize data and write clear and concise reports, prepare business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech; including but not limited to police reports, crime statistical information and other written communications. Ability to prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, graphs, table, and statistical charts which convey, synthesize, analyze complex information accurately and professionally. Ability to learn and apply technical terminology and information specifically related to police work.

Math:

• Intermediate: ability to deal with number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement such as metrics and data used in analyzing information.

Communication Skills:

• Intermediate: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, city staff, management, officials, state agencies, other external organizations, and the public. Ability to communicate and articulate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to provide information, guidance, and explain issues or concepts that assists others in making decisions. Communicates and applies City and department guidelines, provides consultation to others in more diverse and complex situations. Assists others to find answers to the more difficult and complex questions. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making:

• Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluation situations and in making decisions. 
• Utilizes advanced reasoning skills to solve complex problems. Demonstrates advanced skills in assessing situations and prioritizing actions. Recognizes crime patterns and is familiar with the criminal element in an assigned area. Develops various sources and channels of information, formally and informally.

Technical Skills:

• Advanced: high level skills and extensive knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Sets priorities within agency and program guidelines. Uses more difficult project management methods. Organizes relates sets of responsibilities that require multiple steps for completion. Acts as a resource for peers in utilizing City's computer technology. Ability to utilize hardware and software to retrieve data from internal and external sources, download data into appropriate software, and develop documents as requested.

Fiscal Responsibilities:

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics:

• Organization and time management skills, sometimes under strict time constraints. 
• Frequent change of tasks.
• Constant interruptions and requests for service.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• Tedious or exacting work.
• Performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Work effectively with sensitive and confidential issues and information.
• May require emergency response.
• May be required to work additional hours outside of normal schedule, such as evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Must constantly position self to maintain files in file cabinet.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.  

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare, and dust.    
• The noise level is typically moderate.

Salary : $59,654 - $73,332