Crime Research Specialist- Open Competitive Exam

The incumbent in this position is responsible for developing, implementing and managing research agendas in order to assist and advise the Rochester Police Department on local crime problems and issues, crime reduction and prevention efforts, and effective uses of police resources.  The work is performed under the general supervision of the Chief of Police with significant responsibility for self-direction.  Work is reviewed through discussion and project related reports.   Performs related work as required.

• Develops and conducts research projects;
• Determines data needed, how it will be collected, and analysis to be done;
• Interprets data analysis and makes program/policy recommendations based on research findings;
• Prepares narratives and directs preparation of statistical, graphic and tabular reports in support of recommendations;
• Prepares and presents research findings and recommendations to various audiences, as requested;
• Works with Police Administration to identify crime prevention and reduction strategies and initiatives based on research findings;
• Collaborates on research projects with university and professional local, state, and federal researchers/groups;
• Collaborates with other researchers and Police Administration to identify and implement new crime initiatives and improve existing programs;
• Researches and maintains references and resource materials;
• Supervises civilian research interns from local universities and colleges in organizing data and statistical analysis.

I. Master’s degree in Statistics or related Social Science field such as but not limited to Psychology, Sociology, Public Policy, or Criminal Justice AND one (1) year of experience developing and managing research projects which primarily involved all of the following:  using various methods of data collection; data analysis; interpreting statistical and other information.

OR

II. Bachelor’s degree in any field with a minimum of six credit hours in Research Methods and six credit hours in Statistics AND two (2) years of experience as described in section I.

*Candidates who expect to receive this degree or diploma by August 1, 2025, may participate in the examination.  If successful on the examination, you will not be certified for appointment until you have submitted proof of completion of the requirements to the City of Rochester Examination Administration Unit.  Proof must be submitted no later than 2 (two) months after the completion of your degree or diploma; failure to do so will result in the removal of your name from this list.

Scopes/Subjects of Examination:  A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas.

Preparing written material:

These questions test for the ability to present information clearly and accurately and to organize paragraphs logically and comprehensibly.  For some questions, you will be given information in two or three sentences followed by four restatements of the information.  You must then choose the best version.  For other questions, you will be given paragraphs with their sentences out of order.  You must then choose, from four suggestions, the best order for the sentences.
 

Understanding and interpreting written material:

These questions test for the ability to understand and interpret written material.  You will be presented with brief reading passages and will be asked questions about the passages.  You should base your answers to the questions only on what is presented in the passages and not on what you may happen to know about the topic.

Basic statistical concepts:

These questions test for knowledge of the analytical methods used to reduce and describe large sets of numerical data.  The questions cover such areas as the organization and presentation of data, statistical terminology, central tendency, variability, the normal curve, and correlation. 
 
 You will not be required to do any substantial manipulation of data.

Research methods and techniques:

These questions test for knowledge of the conceptual foundations for the collection and interpretation of data.  The questions cover such areas as survey methods and techniques, sampling theory and techniques, and drawing conclusions from research results. 
 
 You will not be required to do any substantial manipulation of data.

Understanding and interpreting tabular material:

These questions test your ability to understand, analyze, and use the internal logic of data presented in tabular form.  You may be asked to perform tasks such as completing tables, drawing conclusions from them, analyzing data trends or interrelationships, and revising or combining data sets.  The concepts of rate, ratio, and proportion are tested. Mathematical operations are simple, and computational speed is not a major factor in the test.  You should bring with you a hand-held battery- or solar-powered calculator for use on this test.  You will not be permitted to use the calculator function of your cell phone.

Test Guide:

The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination.  However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test.  This publication is available online at:  https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.

Salary : $69,673 - $91,867