Job Descriptions

Distinguishing Features: Work is performed with allowance for independent initiative, judgment, and latitude for selection of methods and procedures.

Communication: Communicates with the general public, other City employees and outside law enforcement personnel in order to collect crime information for conducting crime analyses. Gives oral presentations on crime statistics and trends. Produces written documents such as reports and crime analysis bulletins with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation and grammar in order to disseminate crime statistics, suspect information and Modus Operandi (M.O.) patterns. Writes computer programs for specific crime analysis projects.

Manual / Physical: Enters, searches, and retrieves information utilizing a terminal or personal computer in order to collate and analyze crime statistics, maintain histories of crime information, and compile crime bulletins. Sorts, separates, arranges, and files police reports, crime statistics, bulletins, and articles in a prescribed manner in order to maintain a history of crime-related statistics and perform crime analyses. Draws or letters charts, schedules, graphs, and maps to illustrate crime patterns/trends and statistical findings utilizing computer aided graphics. Observes, compares, and monitors data including departmental reports and computer-generated statistics to determine compliance with crime analysis procedures. Inspects and monitors computer software for proper operation.

Mental: Comprehends and analyzes written materials including police reports and crime statistics in order to provide conclusions about crime patterns and trends in disseminated crime bulletins. Analyzes raw crime data in order to make recommendations in a written report format regarding patterns and trends in criminal activity. Prioritizes own work. Learns job-related material through on-the-job training regarding computer databases unique to Town-developed systems and Gilbert Police Department rules and procedures. Conducts a variety of procedural and operational studies in order to outline problems and recommend solutions.

Education and Experience:Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major course-work in quantitative methods, management, criminal justice, or public administration and familiarity with computer program languages is preferred. State crime analyst certification and some experience in statistical research, crime analysis and analysis using automated systems/records is preferred. One or more years of broad and extensive Police experience.

Special Requirement: Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.

Knowledge of:

	research design methods, procedures, and techniques used in statistical analysis
	statistical program languages; and data processing methods, procedures, and equipment
	computer software packages designed for statistical data
	extensive proficiency in a variety of computer programs, including Microsoft Office products

Ability to:

	learn the Uniform Crime Reporting processes and requirements
	learn the principles and practices of Police and Public Administration
	acquire knowledge of law enforcement needs, techniques, methods, and legal demands
	learn computer software applications in use or being developed by the Town for crime analysis
	prepare graphic representations of detailed and complex statistical findings or of crime analysis results
	work under pressure within time constraints
	establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, supervisory personnel and outside agency personnel

FLSA Status: non-exempt.
This class specification is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to the class and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. For a listing of essential job functions, see the recruitment bulletin at time of job opening.

Gilbert pay scale for Crime Analyst:
2000/2001
$17.79 - 24.55     $37,003.20 - $51,064.00
1999/2000
$17.10 - 23.60     $34,568.00 - $49,088.00
1998/1999
$16.44 - 22.71     $34,195.20 - $47,236.80
1997/1998
$15.81 - 21.94     $32,884.80 - $45,427.20

- Back to Job Descriptions -

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
A Crime Analyst performs crime analysis work for the Police Department. Duties include: performing difficult statistical and analytical research involving the use of computer applications, random statistical samplings, correlation and regression analysis, and probability studies; gathering and analyzing crime data for crime pattern detection, suspect-crime correlations, target-suspect profiles, and crime forecasting; preparing reports on crime data and trends for police personnel; making presentations to police personnel, members of the community, and outside agencies; and coordinating the automatic scheduling process for the Police Department. This class performs related duties as required. Work is performed under the general direction of the Crime Analysis Supervisor with allowance for independent initiative, judgment, and latitude for selection of methods and procedures. Work performance is reviewed through conferences, reports, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience: Requires any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from a four-year college or university with coursework in quantitative methods. Additional coursework in program languages is preferred.  Experience in statistical research and analysis using automated systems/records, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SAS, or SPSS and general programming abilities are preferred. Experience in the criminal justice field is also preferred. Special Requirement: Because of the confidential and sensitive nature of information handled, successful completion of a polygraph and background investigation is required.

Mesa pay scale for Crime Analyst:

STARTING SALARY (10/01/2000): (45) $40,747.20 Annually; $1,567.20 Biweekly
SALARY RANGE (10/01/2000): (45) $40,747.20 - $54,974.40 Annually; $1,567.20 - $2,114.40 Biweekly

- Back to Job Descriptions -

DEFINITION
To perform a variety of complex research related duties involved in the collection, analysis, and dissemination of crime and other relevant information.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Crime Analyst I - This is the entry-level class in the Crime Analysis series. This class is distinguished from the Crime Analyst II by the performance of the more routine crime analysis duties such as developing regular crime and calls for service bulletins; conducting and presenting historical analysis on both general and specific crime and calls for service information; undertaking tactical crime analysis, and assisting with comprehensive research projects. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited related work experience.

Crime Analyst II - This is the full journey level class within the Crime Analyst series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Crime Analyst I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned including all facets of crime analysis functions (strategic, administrative, and tactical); conducting comprehensive research projects; and supervising the tactical crime analysis function.

Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating practices, policies, and procedures of the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the lower class of Crime Analyst I, or, when filled from the outside, require a minimum of two years of prior crime analysis and/or social science research experience, preferably in a public agency. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing the full range of duties assigned to the class.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Crime Analyst I - Receives general supervision from higher-level management staff.
Crime Analyst II - Receives direction from higher- level management staff. May exercise functional and technical supervision over less experienced staff. Provides general supervision for the tactical crime analysis function.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

	Collect, analyze, and interpret data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methodology.
	Prepare and present complex and detailed statistical reports.
	Interact and communicate with police personnel, other City employees, and the community on crime analysis/research issues; and respond to requests for various information and statistical reports.
	Use computer databases, electronic spreadsheets, desktop publishing, word processing, and statistical applications to manipulate, analyze, and present data.
	Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
	Conduct resource allocation studies for budgeting and scheduling purposes.
	Conduct beat reconfiguration studies.
	Provide information to police, City administration, and City Council for decision-making purposes; present analysis and statistics in various internal and external forums; and participate and provide information to police/City committees.
	Develop and undertake comprehensive surveys.
	Conduct comprehensive research projects, including assisting with program evaluation studies and other administrative studies as assigned.
	Maintain the Crime Analysis Web Page.
	Study current literature on research methodology and police issues, and make appropriate recommendations for improvements in crime analysis practices.
	Write crime analysis related articles to be placed in the Department newsletter and on the Crime Analysis Web Page.
	Prepare and update protocol on crime analysis related activities.
	Assist in the development and implementation of new programs, procedures, methods, and systems.
	Use geographical information systems to analyze and present information.
	Undertake tactical crime analysis.
	Provide crime analysis training to police and City personnel, outside professional groups, and other agencies/individuals/groups visiting the Police Department.
	Responsible for managing the non-paid internship programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

	Principles and applications of mathematics and statistics.
	Research principles and techniques such as quantitative and qualitative analysis.
	Principles and practices of professional and technical writing.
	Basic police methods and procedures, with an emphasis in community policing.
	Modern office practices and procedures.
	General computer functions and PC computer software applications.
	English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to:

	Collect, analyze, and interpret data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methodology.
	Prepare and present complex and detailed statistical reports.
	Successfully interact and communicate with police personnel, City employees, and the community.
	Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.
	Use computer databases, electronic spreadsheets, desktop publishing, word processing, and statistical applications to manipulate, analyze, and present data.
	Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Crime Analyst I

Education:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course works in the social sciences or a related field.
Experience:
One year of responsible analytical/social science research is preferred.

Crime Analyst II

Education:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course works in the social sciences or a related field. A Master's degree is highly desirable.
Experience:
Two years of progressively responsible strategic and administrative crime analysis or social services research experience.

License or Certificate
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid Arizona driver's license.
This class specification is intended to indicate the basic nature of positions allocated to the class and examples of typical duties that may be assigned. It does not imply that all positions within the class perform all of the duties listed, nor does it necessarily list all possible duties that may be assigned. For a listing of essential job functions, see the recruitment bulletin at time of job opening.

- Back to Job Descriptions -

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

	Collects data from various sources (i.e., computerized crime and traffic databases, etc.);
	Evaluates data using descriptive and inferential statistical methods;
	Researches crime data and produces reports for the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
	Researches crime and traffic data and produces reports for management, City Council and other City departments;
	Responds to requests for statistics from citizens, businesses, and other law enforcement agencies;
	Prepares statistical and narrative summaries for reports and presentations to department management;
	Uses computer software to convert numeric data into graphic mode;
	Reviews statistical documents for completeness and accuracy.
	Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

	Principle and application of statistical methods and techniques.
	Data collection methods.
	Uniform Crime Reporting codes and Arizona Revised Statutes crime reporting codes.
	Standard report writing.

Ability to:

	Communicate orally with customers, clients, and the public using a telephone, in a face-to-face, one-to-one setting, and in a group setting in the English language.
	Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.
	Produce written documents with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
	Work under pressure (i.e., handling significant problems and tasks which come up simultaneously and/or unexpectedly and approaching deadlines).
	Operate keyboard devices such as calculators, personal computers and CRTs.
	Establish priorities for own workload based upon such factors as need for immediate action, work objectives and schedules.
	Exercise independent initiative and judgment.
	Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
	Work cooperatively with other City employees.
	Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation to effectively perform job duties.
	Work safely without presenting a direct threat to the incumbent or others.

Additional Requirements:

	Appointments to positions in the Police Department are subject to meeting appropriate polygraph and background standards.
	Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience performing clerical duties, including one year of experience working with computer data systems involving criminal justice statistics and reports. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.