HCPD Crime Analyst - Ellicott City, United States - Howard County

Description

Salary : $59, $113,964.00 Annually

Location : Columbia, MD

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number:

Department: Police

Opening Date: 05/09/2024

Closing Date: 5/27/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION

Howard County
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) - the most in the state of Maryland. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

POSITION SUMMARY:

An HCPD Crime Analyst is crossed trained to support Patrol, Investigations, Traffic and Statistical Analysis. The Analyst conducts a variety of crime and statistical analysis in support of police operations; collects and analyzes data describing crime patterns, crime trends, and potential suspects; compiles, reviews and enters data associated with criminal and social disorder activity; using existing and evolving technologies, products relating to the temporal and spatial aspects of crimes will be developed and shared with internal and external personnel; assists with administering crime analysis database and tracking systems; assists with creating local, state, and federal statistics for county-wide and in-house reporting requirements. The HCPD Crime Analyst will establish and maintain effective communication with analysts and law enforcement personnel from surrounding jurisdictions and ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures.

When assigned to Criminal Investigations, works closely with detectives to detect trends, track illegal activities and create statistical models based on facts gathered from crime scenes. Work is used to help solve and prosecute cases involving illegal firearms, traditional and non-traditional groups which seek to disrupt a peaceful community, and other crimes. The work generated by the crime analyst is often used to prepare intelligence briefings for senior leaders and interagency partners.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$ $31.13
$59,109 - $64,741

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs professional level administrative work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes carrying out administrative and technical tasks related to administrative support, public information, and purchasing.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Proficient in using a variety of resources, including crime mapping technology, computer-aided dispatch, law enforcement databases, police reports, crime analytics and prediction software, and contacts with other professionals in the region and around the country.
• Utilizes computer programs, databases, and spreadsheets as well as other resources to analyze data and identify crime patterns, suspects, modus operandi, and other related descriptive information.
• Determines the times and areas where a particular crime or a range of criminal activity is occurring. Effectively identifies areas and trends to support enforcement plans, manpower needs, pinpointing when and where police officers should patrol in order to maximize effectiveness.
• Analyzes crime incidents to determine related offenses for the purpose of assisting in case closures and more thorough charging of offenders.
• Uses a variety of computer software and hardware to produce maps, text, data tables, graphs, charts and other aids to be used in reports and presentations.
• Creates confidential law enforcement bulletins regarding crime trends, wanted persons, and related officer safety.
• Works with geographic information systems in a computer mapping environment to produce analytic maps needed to examine the spatial characteristics of incidents.
• Holds responsibility for the collection and data entry of investigative reports into appropriate computerized systems.
• Performs quality control of data entry to include geocoding of addresses and ensures data is in compliance with federal government reporting standards.
• Reviews data and makes recommendations for tactical operations, grant reports and strategic planning.
• Gathers and analyzes crime statistics and produces professional and effective reports.
• Evaluates the process for data analysis and make recommendations for improvements in data collection, computer software, hardware or other devices.
• Prepares a variety of administrative, operational and investigative reports; presents findings as necessary; maintains records, logs and files.
• Assists in providing on-going traffic analysis; develops and maintains specialized reports that include traffic accident, traffic citations, traffic warnings and parking enforcement in a variety of formats.
• Responds to calls and questions from internal and external sources, commanders and governmental leaders.
• Researches long-term problems and presents response strategies.
• Maintains awareness of developments in the field of crime statistical analysis; incorporates new developments as appropriate.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and three years' experience in Crime Analysis with demonstrated proficiency in GIS.
• Thorough knowledge of the current methods and technologies used in crime analysis. Experience in a law enforcement setting is preferred.
• Knowledge of the principles and current methods of data collection and statistical compilation and interpretation is required.
• Skill in the use of computer software to produce graphic and text presentations in an effective manner.
• Familiarity with Howard County geography and its association with contiguous jurisdictions.
• Applicable knowledge of local, state and federal laws.
• Ability to interpret complex data sources, including government documents, and provide summary analysis of effectively use data for supporting documentation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to walk.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
• The work environment characteristics are consistent those found in a typical office environment.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

• The ability to communicate and interact effectively with a wide variety of personnel is essential. This position involves a high level of contact with the general public and internal clients.
• Must be able to vary writing style in accordance to the intended recipient. A high volume of written communication is required. Must be able to prepare letters, memos, reports and other written correspondence which is disseminated within and outside the agency.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Must effectively communicate with administrative staff and technical professionals.
• Must possess strong public speaking skills and be comfortable with oral presentations.
• Skilled at performing varied mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy, with a demonstrated ability in performing statistical computations. Must be able to present qualitative data in a quantitative format for the purpose of making comparison analyzes.
• Ability to use assimilate information from various sources and make sound decisions based on good judgement. Must be able to review existing procedures and make recommendations for implementation of new procedures or procurement of other resources to increase the efficiency of the crime analysis process.
• Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects and direct resources appropriately to ensure efficient and timely completion.
• Must be able to determine when to make decisions independent of supervision and when it is appropriate to consult with a higher authority.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• May be required to obtain certification for State and Federal criminal records databases. This may include, but is not limited to, the Maryland District/Circuit Systems, METERS, and NCIC.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation ).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts. Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE: Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.

PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year. From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.

DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for the following holidays:

New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.

OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT: Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis. Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan). The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

Howard County Retirement Plan: Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7/1/2021 contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.

Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan: Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan. Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE: Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment. Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.

DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS: Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto/homeowner's insurance programs.

CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.

01

Your application, which includes any supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly describe the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) for each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

02

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $59,109 - $64,741

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03

Do you possess a combination of education and experience equivalent to completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and three (3) years' experience in Crime Analysis with demonstrated proficiency in GIS?

• Yes
• No

04

If you possess three (3) years' experience in Crime Analysis with demonstrated proficiency in GIS, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

05

Do you possess a thorough knowledge of the current methods and technologies used in crime analysis specifically experience in a law enforcement environment?

• Yes
• No

06

If you possess a thorough knowledge of the current methods and technologies used in crime analysis specifically experience in a law enforcement environment, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

07

Do you possess the knowledge of the principles and current methods of data collection and statistical compilation as well as interpretation if needed?

• Yes
• No

08

If you possess the knowledge of the principles and current methods of data collection and statistical compilation as well as interpretation if needed, please explain where you acquired this knowledge include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

09

Do you possess experience assisting in providing on-going traffic analysis; develops and maintains specialized reports that include traffic accident, traffic citations, traffic warnings and parking enforcement?

• Yes
• No

10

If you possess experience assisting in providing on-going traffic analysis; develops and maintains specialized reports that include traffic accident, traffic citations, traffic warnings and parking enforcement, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

11

Do you possess experience creating confidential law enforcement bulletins regarding crime trends, wanted persons, and related officer safety?

• Yes
• No

12

If you possess experience creating confidential law enforcement bulletins regarding crime trends, wanted persons, and related officer safety, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

13

Do you possess experience gathering and analyzing crime statistics to produce effective reports?

• Yes
• No

14

If you possess experience gathering and analyzing crime statistics to produce effective reports, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

15

How did you hear about this position?

• NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
• Linked In
• Maryland Association of Counties
• National Association of Counties
• CEAM
• ASCE
• Indeed
• Employee Referral
• Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
• Handshake
• Career Fair
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• Other

16

If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate "N/A" (Not Applicable).

17

Do you possess a METERS/NCIC certification?

• Yes
• No

18

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

19

Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

20

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit , click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

21

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question