Enhancing the Problem-Solving Capacity of Crime Analysts Units

• NCJ Number: 222841
• Author(s): Matthew B. White
• Date Published: February 2008
• Length: 48 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2006-CK-WX-K003
• Sponsoring Agency: Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: From Problem-Oriented Guides for Police, Problem-Solving Tools Series, No. 9; downloaded June 15, 2008.

Annotation

Organized around nine fundamental concerns in question format, this guide attempts to increase the likelihood that the crime analysis unit will contribute meaningfully to departmental problem-solving efforts.

Abstract

Police managers who wish to benefit from methods developed in capturing and analyzing data about crime problems, as well as the advances made in the theory of problem-oriented policing agenda, and implement a program of problem-oriented policing must ensure that their crime analysts are properly inducted into the police environment and that their analytical work is fully integrated into departmental operations. They will then be able to take their proper role as central members of the team in problem-solving projects. This guide, under the Problem-Solving Tool Series, is intended to help police managers attain this goal. The guide is organized around nine fundamental concerns, framed as questions, which must be addressed when developing a problem-solving capacity within a crime analysis unit. The questions include: (1) are your analysts able to focus on their core analytic function; (2) are your analysts learning about problem-oriented policing; (3) are your analysts learning problem-solving skills and techniques; (4) are your analysts learning as a team; (5) do your analysts have adequate technical support; (6) are your analysts free to be objective; (7) are your analysts properly integrated into the decisionmaking process; (8) is the importance of analysis adequately recognized in your department; and (9) are your analysts properly paid? Developing a group of skilled problem-solving crime analysts is a requirement for police agencies committed to problem-oriented policing. Crime analysts can play a central role in helping problem-solving projects to succeed. References