Crime Analyst

Grand Traverse County is a team of passionate and incredible people who are committed to providing responsive, effective quality service to our up-north community.  We strive to be a leader in innovative, effective, collaborative, and sustainable county government.  We offer stable work environments and competitive salaries to both full- time and part-time employees.  Understanding the many challenges facing today’s professionals and families, we offer a competitive compensation package including an impressive list of benefits and time off.

Job Description:

The Crime Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and disseminating crime, intelligence, and public safety data to support law enforcement operations, investigations, resource deployment, and crime prevention initiatives. This position serves as a key analytical resource for Sheriff's Office personnel by identifying crime patterns, trends, series, hot spots, and emerging public safety concerns.

The Crime Analyst transforms complex data into actionable intelligence that assists command staff, detectives, patrol personnel, and community partners in making informed decisions.

Identifies links between criminals and crimes and acts as a liaison with internal and external groups to provide analytical assistance.  Follows established policies and procedures, local, state and federal regulations, especially guidelines pertaining to DHS Fusion Center Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers and criminal intelligence systems operating procedures. Utilizes a variety of criminal intelligence software and information systems to prepare written statistical and analytical reports.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (may include but are not limited to the following)

Crime Analysis & Intelligence Support

• Collect, compile, analyze, and interpret crime data, calls for service, arrest information, field interviews, and intelligence information from multiple sources.
• Identify crime patterns, trends, series, repeat offenders, and geographic hot spots.
• Analyzes Call Detail Records (CDRs) from various cellular communication providers and plots call data
• Conduct tactical, strategic, administrative, and intelligence analyses to support law enforcement operations and investigations.
• Develop suspect profiles, link analyses, timelines, and intelligence bulletins as requested.
• Collects and organizes data from various sources (e.g., criminal investigations, seized documents and evidence, surveillance reports, interviews, social media) and prepare comprehensive subject work-ups, analytical reports, charts, and offers suggestions on strategic resource deployment.
• Monitor emerging crime trends and provide timely notifications and recommendations to Sheriff's Office personnel.
• Assist detectives and investigators by conducting analytical research and identifying connections between incidents, suspects, locations, and criminal organizations.
• Stay informed about the latest research and advancements in the field of crime analysis.
• Serve as an expert witness when required, presenting analytical findings in legal proceedings.

Data Management & Reporting

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc statistical reports for Sheriff's Office leadership, County Administration, grant reporting, and public information requests.
• Develop dashboards, maps, charts, graphs, presentations, and visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
• Maintain crime analysis databases and ensure data integrity and accuracy.
• Analyze operational metrics, workload indicators, response times, calls for service, and staffing trends.
• Support data-driven decision-making and strategic planning initiatives.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Mapping
• Utilize GIS and crime mapping software to identify geographic crime trends and produce maps for investigations and operational planning.
• Create crime density maps, hot spot analyses, and other geographic products to assist in resource deployment.
• Support special operations, targeted enforcement efforts, and community policing initiatives through geographic analysis.

Knowledge Of:

• Criminal justice systems, law enforcement operations, and investigative procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to use specialized software.
• Crime analysis methodologies and intelligence analysis principles.
• Statistical analysis techniques and data interpretation.
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and crime mapping technologies.
• Criminal databases, records management systems, and law enforcement.
• Data visualization and reporting tools.

Ability To:

• Analyze large volumes of data and identify meaningful trends and patterns.
• Produce accurate, timely, and actionable intelligence products.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and evaluate multiple sets of complex information, project function and activities.
• Prepare professional reports, presentations, charts, and maps.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Work independently while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Memorize, retain, and accurately recall information.
• Write clear, concise reports, memoranda, policies, letters, and other written materials.

EDUCATION, FORMAL TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE (minimum requirements)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Information Technology, Applied Statistics, or a related field, combined with experience in a criminal justice, military or government intelligence agency; or in a business setting compiling data and analyzing findings and writing reports that indicate relationships between various data sets; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups.
• Two (2) years of experience in crime analysis, intelligence analysis, data analysis, law enforcement research, GIS analysis, or a related analytical field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Must pass a comprehensive background investigation to obtain and maintain required federal, state, and local government top security clearances.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES

Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (minimum requirements - legal or contractual pre- employment obligations and/or requirements, such as drug testing, background check, etc.)

A background check shall be required initially and maybe periodically for an individual hired, transferred, reclassified, promoted, or currently working in this job. Appointment to or continued employment in this job is contingent upon a satisfactory background check which may include but is not limited to confirmation of a persons’ identity; review of criminal conviction records; verification of educational degree, license, or certificate required for the position; review of Department of Motor Vehicles records; Department of Justice fingerprint scan; and/or drug and alcohol testing as required and allowable by law. A satisfactory background check is defined as the absence of a criminal history record which bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's or employee's suitability to perform the required duties and responsibilities of the position.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Specialized professional who transforms raw criminal justice data into actionable intelligence to support law enforcement operations, crime prevention, and community safety. The distinguishing characteristics of this role set it apart from other analyst classifications and sworn law enforcement positions.

Behaves in a manner consistent with Grand Traverse County’s values whenever they are on County premises or acting in their official capacity as representatives of the County.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• May be required to climb or balance; reach with hands and arms; sit; stand; stoop, kneel, or crouch; talk and hear; smell; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• May occasionally be required to lift/move up to 25 pounds.
• The employee may be required to travel in his or her own vehicle. 
• Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• May be asked to perform duties outside regularly scheduled hours.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, COMPETENCIES (minimum requirements)

• Advanced proficiency in English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and simple mathematical functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, ratios, etc.
• Skill in the use of personal computer software, including spreadsheet development and word processing.
• Interpersonal skills are necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with customers, co-workers, and representatives of other agencies.
• Skilled in researching and resolving problems to ensure compliance.
• Ability to comprehend, process, and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job. Consistently demonstrate sound ethics and judgment.
• Ability to accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries. 
• Ability to use County resources effectively and efficiently. 
• Ability to comprehend, process and apply both verbal and written skills appropriate to the job.
• Thorough working knowledge of records maintenance.
• Ability to apply principles and practices of the criminal and intelligence process including, but not limited to, collection, evaluation, analysis, reporting and dissemination of information.
• Ability to apply and tactfully enforce complex rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information and professional boundaries.
• Experience working in a law enforcement environment.
• Experience with GIS mapping software (ArcGIS or similar).
• Experience with law enforcement records management systems.
• Certification through the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Power BI, SQL, or other analytical tools.

Compensation:

Grand Traverse County is a great place to live, work and play. Come join our team and experience what northern Michigan is all about, apply today!

You really should see what we have to offer: 

• Medical: The County offers employees a high-deductible plan through Priority Health. To help cover the cost of the deductible, Grand Traverse County will deposit a contribution amount up to $2,000 into an employee Health Savings Account every year.  You may also direct deposit funds into this account every pay period.

• Vision: The County provides a no cost plan for employees. We also offer an enhanced plan through EyeMed.  

• Dental: Our dental insurance provider is Delta Dental. You will pay no costs or premium for diagnostic and cleaning services. 

• Wellness: Grand Traverse County is committed to creating a culture of health. We provide a variety of incentives and programs that allow you to live a healthy lifestyle. 

• Employee Recognition: We highly value our employees, which we show by providing our employees awards and recognition throughout the year, and on anniversary dates.

• Tuition Reimbursement: Employees are reimbursed up to $5,250 annually for enrollment in courses at an accredited college, university, or trade school. 

• Vacation: Grand Traverse County provides a generous amount of vacation days to benefitted employees so you can spend time with family and friends. 

• Holidays: The County gives you 12 days a year to celebrate holidays. Beyond these 12 days, you will receive additional floating holidays to use at your discretion. 

• Personal Leave: Employees receive up to 72 hours annually depending on contract, to use for appointments, take care of family needs and other personal reasons. Employees are paid every year for unused personal leave up to 40 hours. 

• Parental Leave: Employees may take up to 6 months of leave to begin at birth or date of adoption of their child. 

• Retirement: Grand Traverse County offers a defined contribution through MERS. The plan includes a generous match that fully vests after 6 years of employment.

• 457(b) Retirement Plans: The County also offers optional 457(b) deferred compensation and Roth retirement plans with matching contributions up to an approved amount, based on applicable contract provisions.

• Life Insurance: Benefitted employees automatically receive life insurance. 

• Short Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays two thirds of your salary or wages for a maximum of 182 days.

• Long Term Disability: The County provides a plan through Mutual of Omaha, which pays 60 percent of your salary or wages for a maximum of 24 months.