Crime Analyst I

Placer County is currently accepting applications for Crime Analyst - I and Crime Analyst II. Each level in this job series has different minimum qualifications. To participate in the recruitment at the I level, the II level, or both levels, you must complete and submit separate applications and supplemental questionnaires for each recruitment:

Crime Analyst - I             #2018-11763-01

Crime Analyst - II            #2018-11764-01

To collect and analyze crime and intelligence data; to provide timely and accurate information regarding criminal activity to the Sheriff’s Office staff and surrounding agencies in support of crime reduction and community and officer safety; to produce statistical reports for a variety of consumers; and to provide pertinent information to support the tactical, strategic, and administrative needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

This is the entry-level class in the Crime Analyst series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters allocated to the journey level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision progressing to general supervision while learning job tasks.

Incumbents work initially under immediate supervision from an assigned supervisor while learning job tasks, progressing to general supervision as the procedures and processes of the assigned areas of responsibilities are learned. Incumbents may exercise technical and functional supervision over technical and/or clerical staff as needed.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collect, research, and analyze a variety of law enforcement, crime, and intelligence data using qualitative and quantitative methods; identify and interpret criminal activity, patterns, relationships, profiles and trends.
• Monitor and identify trends in criminal activity countywide in support of the Sheriff’s Office area command strategy; conduct complex data mining with multiple intelligence databases to assist with case development for investigations.
• Extract and analyze data and records and identify relevant information; prepare a variety of predictive and descriptive technical reports regarding crime patterns, individuals, associations, flow, operations, and threats based on distillation and synthesis of all available information.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide or coordinate staff training; supervise, assign and review the work of clerical and technical staff.
• Coordinate with sworn and non-sworn Sheriff’s Office staff, staff from other agencies or jurisdictions, and others to identify requirements for intelligence/crime analysis products; maintain liaison with other jurisdictions and agencies.
• Review and analyze current/proposed legislation and advise management on the impact or potential impact; assist in analysis of federal and state statutes, codes and regulations; develop required responses and/or proposals for various state departments and various statewide associations applicable to assigned work unit or department.
• Develop or assist in the development of statistical tracking systems, intelligence databases and management reports for identification of trends as identified; develop detailed maps using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and analyses of spatially-referenced data, including crime reports, calls for service, parolees, sex or arson registrants, complaints, and other relevant data.
• Create charts, association matrices, link analyses, crime calendars, graphs, and exhibits to assist in investigations, tactical operations, and prosecution.
• Conduct briefings and/or presentations of crime and intelligence information for Sheriff’s Office employees and outside agency personnel; prepare a variety of bulletins and other time sensitive informational materials for dissemination of information. 
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for administrative functions; assist in the development and implementation policies and procedures.
• Design and recommend systems, procedures, forms and instructions for internal use; apply conventional and computer-based modeling, logic and hypothesis testing algorithms and statistical analyses; prepare complex analytical and statistical reports.
• Evaluate investigative computer software tools and make recommendations for system enhancements; provide technical assistance on the functionality of job specific information systems; plan, collect, and analyze open source information from the internet while staying attentive to new local media sources and trends.
• Prepare correspondence and reports; establish and maintain a variety of files, records, and statistics, including case files, activity logs, unit statistics, and crime data; ensure documentation, retention, and destruction of crime data complies with Federal, State, and local laws and regulations.
• Track registered Sex and Arson Offenders within the County; produce time sensitive law enforcement bulletins, hot sheets, and other law enforcement related documents.
• May represent the work unit or Sheriff’s Office as required; may testify in court.
• Conduct special projects and staff training related to crime analysis and related computer system applications.
• Perform related duties as required.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of increasingly responsible work experience conducting detailed analysis on information or data collected which requires the preparation and submission of findings, projections, or conclusions with recommendations. Experience working with crime or intelligence related data is preferred.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in criminal justice, crime analysis, law enforcement/public safety, public administration, intelligence studies, homeland security, sociology, statistics and research methodology, computer science, geographic information systems, or a related field.

NOTE: Relevant, equivalent experience (performing the same or similar job requiring similar knowledge, skills, and abilities) may be substituted for the required education as determined by the Human Resources Department.

NOTE: Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of a California Department of Justice Crime and Intelligence Analysis certification or equivalent comparable certification within one year of appointment.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of law enforcement administration, organization, programs and functions
• Principles of criminology
• Statistical and logic methods and analysis used to solve crime problems and the use of statistics in reports
• Report preparation and presentation
• Research methods, tools and techniques used to develop and present information
• Computer systems and software, including word processing, spreadsheet, logic/hypothesis testing, charting and graphing, and database applications and software
• Office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Standard accepted English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.  

Ability to:

• Collect, evaluate, analyze and interpret complex information and data; analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Analyze problems quickly and objectively; determine proper course of action, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Perform moderately complex mathematical and statistical calculations accurately.
• Determine effective method of research; and compile data and present in form most likely to enhance understanding
• Use a variety of computer software applications including but not limited to mapping, graphing, charting, databases, and spreadsheets; design forms and draft procedures for approval.
• Obtain information through interview; handle multiple assignments; deal firmly and courteously with County staff and the public
• Maintain confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Sit at desk for long periods of time or in meetings; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone, and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift light weight.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for this classification must complete and pass a background check (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and pre-employment psychological and medical examinations, including a drug screening, prior to appointment. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S., and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age or be bonded.

All new permanent employees, with the exception of sworn law enforcement and those in management and confidential groups, shall be required to join the employee organization or pay an 'Agency Fee' as a condition of employment.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for Professional bargaining unit