Crime analyst certification provides recognition for a candidate’s proficiency in the field of crime analysis. Having this credential can help make a candidate more attractive to potential employers.
A career as a crime analyst can be challenging but rewarding. To prepare for this career, aspiring crime analysts must achieve the right educational foundation and cultivate the skills needed to succeed.
Education and Experience Requirements
Table of Contents
A bachelor’s degree in a field such as public administration or business administration is a good starting point for becoming a crime analyst. These degree programs often include coursework in statistics, law enforcement and intelligence analysis, as well as research design and methods used in social, political, sociological and criminal justice research.
In addition to a degree, crime analysts need experience in the field. For example, to become a crime scene analyst, you must have prior work experience reading police reports and dealing with the public.
If you’re a student interested in becoming a crime analyst, you should consider enrolling in an online program that offers certifications. These certifications can help you demonstrate your knowledge to employers and increase employment opportunities.
Several types of certifications for crime analysts are available, including the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA)-certified analyst and the Alpha Group’s Certificate Program for Crime Pattern Analysis Professionals (CPAP). Both certifications offer high credibility and can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
Certification Requirements
Aspiring crime analysts usually earn at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. In addition to a college education, aspiring crime analysts can obtain work experience as police officers before graduating with a master’s degree in crime analysis.
As a crime analyst, you will use data from law enforcement reports to identify trends in a particular geographic area. This allows your organization and detectives to focus on areas of concern and problems that may require more attention and resources.
Crime analysts also write reports about their findings to help inform law enforcement agencies, command staff, and citizens. These reports might include information on how enforcement impacts crime patterns, where more crimes can be solved, and what can be done to better prepare for future events.
Exam Requirements
Crime analysts analyse various data sources and develop statistical models that identify patterns and trends. They may also prepare detailed reports on crime statistics and make recommendations for law enforcement initiatives based on their findings.
To earn crime analyst certification, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. These qualifications include a degree in criminal justice, criminology or a related field.
Some degree programs are designed to train students to become crime analysts, while others focus on providing a foundation for data collection and analysis. Certificate programs often offer the same coursework but are shorter in duration.
The International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) and the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) offer some of the best-known programs. Applicants must complete an intensive training program, pass a written exam, and submit a portfolio of their work to be certified.
Exam Format
Crime analysis has become a critical aspect of law enforcement, and related domains in criminal justice as data-driven and intelligence-led approaches have become the standard among contemporary organizations.
Having the skills to analyze this information is crucial for tactical, operational, and strategic efforts in police work and is essential for research and policy development and reform. The proliferation of data generated by surveillance cameras, body cams, GPS, mobile devices, social media, email and text exchanges, wearable tech, sensors, and other sources has made it possible to map hotspots, discern patterns and trends, gather evidence, solve crimes, and demonstrate results.
Boston University’s Metropolitan College (MET) offers an online Graduate Certificate in Crime Analysis that teaches you the ability to use and analyze various data sources to inform investigations, strategies, and policy decisions. It prepares you for in-house crime analyst roles or similar positions and strengthens the skills of those working in investigations, management, and operations to utilize analysis more effectively.
