Crime Analyst

Position Overview

The Crime Analyst plays a vital role in assisting law enforcement through detailed analytical, technical, and administrative duties. Responsibilities include gathering, interpreting, and analyzing crime data and intelligence to recognize patterns, trends, and offender behaviors. The analyst generates a variety of reports, maps, and statistics to aid criminal investigations, enhance strategic planning, improve resource management, and support crime prevention efforts.

This role demands close cooperation with law enforcement officers, other city departments, and outside agencies, while upholding confidentiality and managing sensitive information responsibly. The analyst must demonstrate excellent judgment, strong analytical capabilities, keen attention to detail, and adaptability in meeting deadlines amid shifting priorities. Maintaining positive workplace relationships, providing professional customer service, and responding constructively to supervision and organizational goals are critical.

Primary Responsibilities

• Analyze criminal incidents to detect spatial, temporal, and behavioral patterns, identifying series, suspect methods, and hotspots.
• Create detailed investigative visuals including link analysis charts, crime maps, timelines, and tactical bulletins to support investigators.
• Perform telephone toll and call detail record analyses to establish communication networks and timelines for active cases.
• Utilize open-source intelligence from social media and public digital records to generate investigative leads.
• Monitor known offenders, recidivism trends, and high-risk individuals within the jurisdiction.
• Evaluate and satisfy tactical information and analytical support requests from department staff.
• Employ GIS technology for geographic profiling and mapping of crime data.
• Accurately input and code crime data into databases, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Maintain and organize long-term crime statistics for internal use and official reporting.
• Manage daily pass-along data, operational logs, and investigative handoffs.
• Compile, publish, and distribute daily operational and incident reports.
• Disseminate critical crime intelligence and bulletins to active personnel and leadership.
• Maintain communication with internal teams and external public safety partners to share intelligence.
• Respond professionally to phone inquiries and direct contacts appropriately.
• Participate actively in meetings, briefings, and training sessions to share insights and stay current with best practices.
• Engage in investigative field activities, including crime scene processing and strategic interviews.
• Perform additional operational and administrative duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications and Knowledge

• Minimum high school diploma or GED; Associate's degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Intelligence Analysis, Data Analytics, or related fields.
• Certification or ability to obtain certification in Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
• Completion or ability to obtain a Crime Analyst Training Program with at least 40 hours of crime or intelligence analysis coursework.
• Valid Florida Class E driver's license is required.
• Sound understanding of crime analysis principles, criminal intelligence, law enforcement systems, and the criminal justice framework.
• Familiarity with applicable laws, department regulations, accreditation standards, and the National Incident Management System/Incident Command System.
• Working knowledge of GIS, jurisdiction boundaries, patrol operations, and crime mapping techniques.
• Proficient with standard office applications, databases, and law enforcement information systems.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills for identifying crime trends and relationships from multiple sources.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare reports, deliver presentations, and testify if needed.
• Competent in Microsoft Office and capable of learning specialized crime analysis software.
• Effective organizational and time management skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Sound judgment and problem-solving abilities to analyze complex data and offer informed recommendations.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion.
• Builds and sustains effective relationships across various agencies, personnel, and the public.
• Adapts to a fast-paced environment, working both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally within and beyond Polk County.
• Proficient with computers, office equipment, and audiovisual technology essential for the role.

Additional Requirements

• Must hold a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
• Successful completion of required background, credit checks, and post-offer pre-employment testing.
• Candidate may be required to report to work during declared emergencies in Polk County.
• Position remains open until August 20, 2026.