APD Crime Analyst - City of Alexandria VA

POLICE CRIME ANALYST

 “Preserving the Past, while Innovating our Future!”

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia, and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties.  With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work.  About one-quarter of the City’s square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district.  We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead.  If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for a position as our Crime Analyst.

An Overview

Do you enjoy working with a variety of data sets and producing a broad catalogue of sophisticated and insightful crime analysis products?   Do you enjoy working with analytical software tools and geographic information systems?  Consider joining the Alexandria Police Department. As a member of the Crime Analysis Section, you will play an integral role in all aspects of department operations and investigations.  The Alexandria Police Department strongly invests in technology and fully embraces proactive crime analysis and intelligence led policing.  As an analyst in the Section, you will interact with personnel at all levels within the Department and other City Agencies, influencing, maintaining and enhancing crime analysis and its impact.

A Crime Analyst with the Alexandria Police Department analyzes and evaluates various data sets to aid in the deployment of Police resources throughout the City and increase the effectiveness of police operations in relation to the Department's goals and strategies.  The incumbent collects, collates, analyzes, disseminates, and evaluates crime data to discover developing patterns, trends, and changes in criminal activity in the City of Alexandria.  The incumbent utilizes various databases and software (including ArcGIS, LexisNexis Products, the Microsoft Suite including Access i2[AC1], and cell data analysis software) to analyze and interpret crime data related to crime series, patterns, and suspect profiles.   Products generated by the Crime Analysis Section include reports and bulletins on crime statistics, criminal activity, cell data analysis, as well as crime trends, patterns, and series. Findings will be presented to command staff, detectives, and patrol in order to deploy resources in the most efficient and effective manner.  The incumbent independently conceptualizes, organizes, and carries out most work assignments under the general supervision of the Supervisory Crime Analyst. 

What You Should Bring (Skills and Abilities)

The ideal candidate should have good knowledge of the theories, principles, and practice of crime analysis to include the strategic, tactical, investigative, and administrative aspects. The ideal candidate will be well versed in a variety of analytical software tools and geographic information systems used to accurately produce reports, identify trends, and support investigations and patrol operations.  The ideal candidate will be able to resolve issues effectively and efficiently, meet deadlines, manage competing demands, present findings and recommendations clearly and successfully, both verbally and in writing, and maintain confidentiality while dealing with sensitive information.  The ideal candidate will understand the importance of crime analysis and its supporting roles, and be able to work collaboratively in a highly data driven organization.

The Opportunity – Examples of Work

•  Review and use data from law enforcement sensitive databases in conjunction with electronic software, electronic spreadsheets, desktop publishing, word processing, and statistical applications to analyze and present data and create actionable, comprehensive tactical and administrative analytic products. 

• Prepare a variety of mapping (GIS) products, including those that provide a level of geo-spatial analysis.
• Respond to ad-hoc requests for data and reports from all levels and units of the department.
• Perform a variety of strategic, tactical, and administrative duties related to the systematic process of collecting, categorizing, analyzing, and disseminating timely, accurate, and useful information that describes crime patterns, trends, series, and potential suspects.
• Prepares crime bulletins to disseminate to the Department and region. These bulletins will contain statistical charts, maps, and vital information.
• Identify crime patterns through spatial and temporal analysis, as well as open-source and external department research.
• Provide accurate, timely and relevant analysis of crime patterns and trends that aid in the efficient deployment of departmental resources, increase apprehensions of suspects, and assist in the clearance and prosecution of criminal cases.
• Participates in Command meetings, as well as provides supporting material for command staff presentations and clarifying information during the meetings.
• Collect and route crime bulletins from surrounding law enforcement agencies, highlighting relevant information and provide commentary as to the nexus to the city; maintain a working relationship with regional agencies; and attend regional meetings for sharing and networking opportunities.
• Maintains contact with the crime analyst community nationwide by using the Internet and other forums to identify new trends in crime analysis techniques and tools.
• Work closely with both Patrol & the Investigations Division to provide timely and actionable analytical products to include cell data and forensic data extraction analysis reports.
• Presents comprehensive data and analytic findings professionally and effectively, whether written or verbal, that are appropriate for the intended audience (Police Department employees, City and external partners, and the public)

About the Department 

The City of Alexandria Police Department is a nationally recognized and accredited law enforcement agency providing services to a diverse community. A group of talented professionals, the Alexandria Police Department is a dedicated team of people who, in partnership with the community, work to create and maintain a safe and secure environment for our residents, merchants, and visitors. We are a diverse organization, reflecting Alexandria’s various cultures and offering many different career and promotional opportunities.