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Criminal intelligence analyst

Analyse data to spot patterns and networks of criminal activity and plan ways to tackle and stop crime.

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: National Careers Service

Weekly

£385

Entry level

£1,000

Experienced

Monthly

£1,667

Entry level

£4,333

Experienced

Yearly

£20,000

Entry level

£52,000

Experienced

4,100

people are currently employed

High growth

200 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

What it's like

You would analyse data to spot patterns and networks of criminal activity and plan ways to tackle and stop crime.

You would:

  • Collect information from local, national and international computer systems

  • Update intelligence records in databases

  • Analyse data using specialist software

  • Build up a picture of crime clusters in an area (problem profiling)

  • Monitor the behaviour of suspect individuals or groups (targeted profiling)

  • Be a witness during court proceedings

Police forces and security agencies will use this information to

  • Understand how patterns of criminal activity are linked

  • Target individuals and their networks

  • Tackle trends in particular crimes, for example fraud, drug smuggling or vehicle theft

  • Plan initiatives to reduce future offending

You’d use the data to help managers plan how to use their resources (tactical assessment). You’d also review how effective the analysis is and recommend changes where necessary.

It’s a job where you’d need to build up relationships with people working in different departments in the police service and other agencies. You’d have access to a lot of confidential information so you’d need to respect and understand data security.

As a senior analyst, you may provide specialist advice and assess trends to help managers decide on future priorities (strategic assessment).

Hours

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week.

Environment

You would be based at an office.

Travel

You would have to travel to attend meetings or court hearings. You may need a driving licence for some jobs.

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Top skills

Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!

It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.

Here are some of the skills you'll need to do this job:

  • analysing
  • time management
  • sorting
  • filtering
  • attention to detail
  • researching
  • problem solving
  • working with technology
  • verbal communication
  • cooperating

Your skills are important

Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.

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Getting in

Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

  • Computing Science

  • Modern Studies

  • Politics

Entry requirements vary. You will need to check exact entry requirements with the police service or government department that you want to apply to.

Employers usually ask for qualifications at SCQF level 5 or above, or relevant work-based experience in data and information work.

You will need qualifications and/or relevant experience that demonstrate online research and investigative skills, confidence with office computer programs like databases, spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software and an understanding of legislation such as data protection. 

Administrative, ICT or Legal Service qualifications such as the:

  • European Computer Driving License (ECDL)

  • Computer Literacy and Information technologies (CLAiT)

 An understanding of law enforcement organisations and the National Intelligence Model (NIM) may be of value.

Applications will include some background checks and you usually need to prove that you:

  • are over 18 years old

  • are a British citizen

  • and have lived in the UK for 10 years

You may also be assessed on your honesty, integrity, discretion and reliability.

You may need a full driving licence and use of a vehicle for some jobs.

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