Becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst can be a lengthy and intensive process.  An applicant is asked a barrage of questions and is then put through strenuous and rigorous testing to ensure that they meet the criteria set out by law and the standards held by the agency that they are applying to. He or she needs to be prepared to have their lives scrutinized to the utmost extent.  Every detail of their education, mindset, ability to provide consistent results as well as innovative insights will be reviewed.    While it may seem fun and exciting, it is not an easy career to get into.

            The most important, or in other words, the key qualifications for becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst that stand out to me, is the need to have effective communications skills, strong research skills, and the ability to interpret information.  In order to place information gathered into a proper context, It is highly advisable that the applicant have some sort of background in World History, Politics or Geography.  This will allow for insights that are not limited to locale.  In today’s modern society the pen, paper and typewriter have been replaced by electronic media storage.  It would therefore seem that a criminal intelligence analyst applicant would also need to have at least basic computer skills in order to be able to create and/or update the crime data files with the latest information on possible suspects and known criminals. 

            He or she will need interpretation skills and a vivid imagination in order to be able to take the data that they receive from the data files, other agencies and fellow analysts in order to come up with different probable scenarios, as to trends, behavioral patterns and probable future situations all the while communicating their interpretations and the possible scenarios to the appropriate people. 

            Finally, they would need to write clear, concise and accurate reports that can be easily read and interpreted and then be put to use by other staff or agencies, now or in the future, in order to help solve other crimes, trends, and criminal activities.

            In order to apply for a criminal analyst position, you would first need to have one of the following; a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice with at least 1 year of work experience analyzing data, developing trend charts/graphs, and writing summary reports, or at least a high school diploma with at least 3 years of work experience analyzing data, developing trend charts/graphs, and writing summary reports.  If you have fulfilled any of these requirements, you may then be eligible to apply for the position.  Next, the hiring entity would do psychological, family, Political, and criminal background checks.  Due to the sensitive nature of the work, they would also do standard drug testing to check for both illegal and legal drugs.

            Once the background check has been done and you are accepted as a potential prospect, the application process moves into the next phase.   At this time, you will need to give three personal references as well as three professional references.   It may be a good idea to give the people you are listing as references a heads up, as they will be called and asked extensive questions about subjects such as your ethics and work history.   You do not want them to be surprised.

            If you have made it this far,congratulations, it is now interview time.  Most agencies will perform two separate interviews; the initial one will most likely be with the human resources department of the agency and you will need to be clear and concise with your answers.  After this first interview, you will be subjected to a rigorous fitness and psychological test. Finally, a second interview will be conducted by a different analyst and the service manager.

            Once you are accepted, a whole new world will open up for you.  Becoming a Criminal Intelligence Analyst can be a fulfilling and rewarding career.  You have the chance to meet new people, experience exciting new places, and to be all that you can be.  (Oops!  Sorry… that’s the Army.  I got carried away.)  

            You may not be on the streets or in a patrol car, but rest assured that as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst, you are on the forefront of a crime fighting machine and your efforts directly impact the safety and welfare of the community you serve.

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Michelle Hoffmann is a 2nd year criminal justice major as well as an Ezine owner and publisher.  You can view her blogs at The Eclectic Entrepreneur and The 24KaratMarketer Ezine