Crime and Intelligence Analyst Careers – Education, Certifications & Salary

Crime and intelligence analysts turn data into actionable insights that predict and prevent criminal activity. They work in diverse environments, including local police departments, federal agencies, and even private sector organizations. This data-driven role is the backbone of smart policing and homeland security, and while it was once a niche area, it’s become a crucial component in modern law enforcement and public safety.

As crime continues to evolve and become more complex, the role of crime and intelligence analysts is only growing in importance. From tackling organized crime to addressing emerging threats like cyberattacks and terrorism, analysts provide the intelligence that law enforcement needs to respond proactively rather than reactively. By integrating diverse data sources, including social media, geographic data, and criminal records, these analysts help create a comprehensive picture that informs policing strategies and resource allocation.

Read on to learn more about crime and intelligence analysts and how to become one.

Ask the Director: Ron Mark

Ron Mark is the current director of the Center for Criminal Justice Research & Training at California State University Long Beach (CSULB). He is a retired police manager with over 30 years of law enforcement experience.

He is involved with various law enforcement associations that identify trends in law enforcement, develop training to address emerging issues, and advocate for the advancement of this profession. Much of the Center’s research targets identifying future training needs and building cooperative partnerships with community stakeholders.

ForensicsColleges.com: How would you describe the role of the crime and intelligence analyst today?

Mark: When you look at evidence-based policing, the industry has pivoted quite a bit over the years. While most law enforcement positions used to be staffed by sworn peace officers, we’re seeing a lot more civilian personnel today. For every cop that carries a gun out there and does police work, there’s a large number of people behind them, and crime and intelligence analysis is a huge part of that.

ForensicsColleges.com: What’s a critical skill for aspiring crime and intelligence analysts?

Mark: You need to be good at Excel as it relates to this position. We have a separate program on Excel for crime analysts because a regular Excel class that you’d take for business, for instance, simply doesn’t cover what’s needed to be a crime analyst.

ForensicsColleges.com: What’s a common mistake you see made by aspiring crime and intelligence analysts?

Mark: It’s important to bridge the gap between academics and the field. We find a lot of students coming out of school aren’t prepared for the interview process and all the work that goes with it.

Public safety has its own culture. If someone’s paperwork isn’t filled out correctly, that application is getting passed over. It’s a big problem. We have an exercise we include in our program to focus on these issues.

ForensicsColleges.com: Do you have any advice for someone considering a career in crime and intelligence analysis?

Mark: If you want to serve the public and make a difference without necessarily becoming a sworn peace officer, then this is a great option. Especially if you’re good with computers and have an affinity for Excel, then this is really your wheelhouse.

Career Outlook for Crime and Intelligence Analysts

The career outlook for crime and intelligence analysts is promising, as law enforcement agencies increasingly prioritize data-driven approaches to combating crime. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not directly track specific employment statistics for crime analysts, the growing reliance on crime analysis to allocate police resources effectively and to develop proactive crime prevention strategies is expected to contribute to steady job growth.

In addition, intelligence analysts are needed within federal agencies like the FBI, CIA, and the Department of Homeland Security, where intelligence plays a critical role in national security. The need for more advanced analytics capabilities and emerging threats, such as cybercrime and terrorism, has led these agencies to invest heavily in analytical roles. Reports from the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA) highlight that jurisdictions of all sizes are expanding their crime analysis units to address both traditional crime and emerging issues, such as the opioid crisis and organized retail theft.

With technological advances, including AI-driven predictive analytics and sophisticated crime mapping tools, the demand for skilled professionals is growing. One of the top trends in law enforcement is the emergence of real-time Crime Centers, which combine crime analysis with addressing in-progress crimes. Crime and intelligence analysts with a background in criminology, data science, and experience with GIS or statistical software will be particularly well-positioned to secure roles in this expanding field.

Crime and Intelligence Analyst Salary

The salary for crime and intelligence analysts can vary widely based on factors like location, level of experience, and the employing agency or organization. Salaries can be higher in major metropolitan areas or for those with specialized skills in data analysis and geographic information systems (GIS).

According to the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA), crime and intelligence analysts make approximately $44,670 per year, on average, with the top 10 percent making $65,000 per year. The highest-paying state for crime and intelligence analysts is California, with a yearly salary of $74,450 per year, and the lowest is Florida, with a yearly salary of $38,475 per year.

However, Ron Mark points out that this data might be lagging, as the figures are on the low end: a former CSULB student recently started in a crime analysis position with a salary of approximately $90,000 per year.

In addition to base salaries, analysts working in government roles often receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and additional compensation for overtime or hazard pay. Private sector roles, which are becoming more common as corporations seek to protect against fraud and other criminal activity, can also offer competitive salaries, sometimes surpassing those in the public sector, particularly for individuals with specialized analytical or technical expertise.

Step-by-Step: How to Become a Crime and Intelligence Analyst

Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or GED (Four Years)

The first step toward becoming a crime and intelligence analyst is to complete high school or obtain a GED. At this stage, it’s beneficial to focus on subjects like mathematics, statistics, computer science, and social studies, which provide a foundational understanding of data analysis and criminology. Participating in extracurricular activities such as debate clubs or criminal justice programs can also help develop relevant skills.

Step 2: Earn an Undergraduate Degree (Four Years)

Most employers require at least a bachelor’s degree for entry-level crime or intelligence analyst positions. Degrees in fields such as criminology, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or geography are common among professionals in this career. Coursework in statistics, data analysis, and GIS technology is especially valuable. A degree in data science or a related field can be particularly advantageous, as analytical skills are a critical aspect of the job.

Step 3: Complete Specialized Education (Timeline Varies)

Specialized education can ensure that an aspiring crime and intelligence analyst is prepared to enter the field and make an immediate impact. Certificate programs like the one at the Center for Criminal Justice Research & Training at California State University Long Beach (CSULB) feature practitioner faculty and specialized training that prepares students for excellence in their role.

Step 4: Obtain Certification (Optional)

While not a requirement to practice, professional certification does act as a mark of distinction on one’s resume. In addition, professional certification demonstrates one’s expertise in criminal intelligence analysis and a commitment to continuing education and professional development. The International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA) offers professional certification as a Criminal Intelligence Certified Analyst (CICA). A second certification is the Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) credential offered by the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA).

Crime and Intelligence Analyst Tasks and Responsibilities

Crime and intelligence analysts perform a range of tasks that support law enforcement and public safety efforts. Their precise nature will vary based on employer, experience, and location. But some key responsibilities can include:

Data Collection and Management
Crime Mapping and Geographic Analysis
Trend Analysis and Predictive Modeling
Strategic and Tactical Support in Investigations
Crime Bulletins and Intelligence Reports
Evaluating Crime Prevention Programs
Threat Assessments
Public and Private Sector Collaboration

Additional Resources for Crime and Intelligence Analysts

Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Units (LEIU): LEIU provides resources and networking opportunities for those working in intelligence analysis. It offers training and support for professionals looking to advance their skills in managing and analyzing intelligence data.
International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA): The IACA is a key professional organization that offers training, certifications, and resources for crime analysts. Membership provides access to a community of professionals, conferences, and educational opportunities that help analysts stay updated on best practices.
International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts (IALEIA): IALEIA is dedicated to the professional development of intelligence analysts. It provides training, certifications, and resources, including the Criminal Intelligence Certified Analyst (CICA) credential, which is valuable for those in intelligence analysis roles.

Writer

Matt Zbrog

Matt Zbrog is a writer and researcher from Southern California. Since 2018, he’s written extensively about the increasing digitization of investigations, the growing importance of forensic science, and emerging areas of investigative practice like open source intelligence (OSINT) and blockchain forensics. His writing and research are focused on learning from those who know the subject best, including leaders and subject matter specialists from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). As part of the Big Employers in Forensics series, Matt has conducted detailed interviews with forensic experts at the ATF, DEA, FBI, and NCIS.

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