Senior Research Specialist (Crime Analyst)-Safety & Security Research for The Center for Justice Research and Innovation

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Support the Center for Justice Research and Innovation (JRI) through real-world programs and strategies for justice systems across the country. Work directly with law enforcement agencies to develop and implement customized training and technical assistance using evidence-based solutions to improve performance and maximize impact. Also support the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Crime Analyst in Residence Program and other corporate needs including (1) collecting, processing, vetting, and analyzing pertinent data for and (2) conducting technical assistance activities such as working directly with law enforcement agencies to increase their crime analysis capability and capacity. Act as primary data collector and provide substantive inputs into CNA studies, including preparation of reports, routine crime bulletins, investigative reports, routine analysis products, and briefings to law enforcement agency executives.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND/OR DUTIES

1.      Support the BJA CAR Program as an embedded analyst, which aims to expand the use of data analysis and analytics in the management of law enforcement operations and practices.
   a.     Aid in helping agencies build their capability and capacity through technical assistance to integrate tailored crime/data analysis practices, products, tools, and information more fully into the daily operations and management of the department’s crime reduction efforts.
   b.     Work closely with the CNA project team, a cadre of experts, and recipient departments to assist in solving cases, help in the identification of crime patterns, support problem-solving approaches, and promote crime-reduction strategies.
   c.     Deploy to departments to be embedded in-person and provide remote assistance when not onsite. During the time onsite, support an initial assessment and then work directly in-person with the department to help implement recommendations.
   d.      Use a variety of databases and software applications to compile statistical and criminal data to prepare draft responses, criminal statistical analysis reports, and oral and written presentations incorporating spreadsheets, maps, graphs, charts, and slides.
   e.      Brief commanders, supervisors, detective and patrol units on criminal activity, prolific offenders, and other impacts on quality-of-life in their assigned area or responsibility, both verbally and in writing.
   f.       Aid the CNA project team in developing an online presence for tools, resources, and assistance pertaining to crime analysis, (e.g., model tools, training materials, webinars, podcasts, site-specific case studies, and briefs or reports). 
2. Apply standard research methodologies and analytic processes to gather, process, and analyze data. Use relevant database software to effectively organize and present data and generate reports.  Demonstrate facility at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office and other standard CNA software packages to accomplish primary duties. Structure such project tasks as literature reviews, training and technical assistance, environmental scans, interviews, and routine analysis products. Take responsibility for drafting the corresponding sections of reports. Begin to structure problems of moderate scope and design research, technical assistance, or proposal development tasks.  Ability to construct briefings using MS PowerPoint and intermediate to advanced skills with MS Word and Excel and other standard software packages, such as ESRI ArcGIS products. Take responsibility for drafting the corresponding sections of reports. Begin to structure problems of moderate scope and design research, technical assistance, or proposal development tasks.  Ability to construct briefings using MS PowerPoint and intermediate to advanced skills with MS Word and Excel and other standard software packages, such as ESRI ArcGIS.
3. Identify crime patterns and trends using computer databases and information from internal and external sources including the Geographic Information System (GIS), Uniform Crime Report (UCR), the National Incident-Based Report System (NIBRS), other agencies, the media, social media, crime bulletins, and review of crime reports and supplements. 
4.  Develop a basic familiarity with the missions and organizational structure of the division or team's major client/sponsors. Develop institutional knowledge of primary clients/sponsors and justice agencies. Identify key personalities in their organizations and have some sense of the client/sponsor’s relative importance to CNA.
5. Participate in meetings with the project team. Support preparation for client/sponsor interactions. Identify client/sponsor POC for their projects. Maintain awareness of major communication between the project team and client/sponsor POC for any project for which they are involved. As needed, contribute to meetings with client/sponsor and project team.
6.  Develop a sufficient understanding or expertise on specific tasks, issues or data so as to make a positive contribution to project outcomes.
7.  Develop basic knowledge about CNA, its organization, key personnel and personalities, and relevant CNA standard operating procedures (SOPs), to include basic knowledge of CNA business environment. Understand the concepts of core, above core, and above ceiling/ domestic. Have basic awareness of the project development process. Develop fluency in the CNA business environment and SOPs including the procedures for initiating and closing projects, hiring subcontractors and consultants, and monitoring revenue and costs and other project related activities. Capable of contributing to most financial discussions at the project level.
8. Possess the skills necessary to communicate information concisely, precisely, and in a grammatically correct manner in oral and written communication. Present and summarize data effectively. Draft sections of reports, briefings, or other project deliverables in accordance with requirements and scholarly norms (if applicable).
9. Work more independently on focused, well-structured pieces of projects, and estimate how much time and resources they will need as they embark on these tasks. Work under close supervision on broader strands of the project. Track personal project spending. Begin to understand project budgeting and financial tracking over the project lifecycle.
10. Exhibit a positive attitude in interactions with colleagues, clients/sponsors, and staff. Take responsibility for own actions and outcomes. Be proactive in seeking ways to improve processes and operations and in making CNA a better place.
11. Perform other duties as assigned.
12. Ability to travel at least 50% of the time to work directly on site.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

1.      1. Education: Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of experience with a designated technical skill (crime analysis, research, etc.) or a Master’s degree.
2.      Experience: Minimum 2 years’ crime analysis experience required.
3.      Skills: Microsoft Office; ESRI ArcGIS; database management; good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; strong critical thinking and organizational skills; knowledge of research techniques.

 4.      Other: Ability to obtain and maintain an Active Secret Security Clearance.