Police Data Analyst

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the direction of the Professional Standards Commander, this position will collect, manage, and report data about the internal operations and processes of the Police Department, as well as identify systems where data exists and support those systems. This is a data-driven position that requires technical curiosity using an un-biased approach to data integrity and analysis.

Work is characterized by using technical and analytical skills to comprehend, interpret, manage, and report a variety of complex information related to the Police Department. Duties include, but are not limited to, police-related data collection and database design, end-user support, application development, user interface development, and integration between Geographic Information System (GIS) and other police related software; performing statistical and analytical research for the Police Department; and preparing functional descriptions of new and revised system changes including application specifications, user interfaces, data source documentation, database design, data flow diagrams, project costs, schedules, planning, and reporting resource requirements. The distinguishing characteristic of this classification include its level of experience, responsibility, and involvement in all phases of the analytics and GIS software for the Police Department. Incumbent needs to have strong interpersonal skills to liaise with other departments within the city.

The employee and supervisor work together to develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The employee is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, coordinates work with others, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The employee will take complex data and be able to articulate the trends or patterns that emerge to help the Police Department improve its internal processes. Incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications. Work is reviewed in terms of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness of results.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide data management by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Analyze raw data and develop recommendations to improve law enforcement effectiveness based on interpretation of patterns and trends in police responses. Troubleshoot areas of poor performance and identify effective solutions to resolve issues in immediate future and for longer term, enhance support, and reduce recurring issues.

Review data reports for quality and consistency, identify trends, be able to explain variations in data, and look for effective solutions to address data quality. Prepare necessary data cleanup as it relates to improving the quality of data and share findings with data owners to improve ongoing data quality. 

Perform advanced geoprocessing, complex geospatial analysis, map compilation, programming, and project management for the purpose of contextualizing Police operations data. Review and document business processes, requirements, and workflow, and establish data collection and mapping techniques and standards as they pertain to Police operations and the functionality and effectiveness of those operations.

Design and maintain publicly available open data that provides transparency of Police data, analyses, and findings in collaboration with the Crime Analyst and other City subject matter experts. Create and maintain agile and visual reporting dashboards (external and internal) to facilitate on-demand report access to public safety stakeholders and to comply with evolving public safety legislative priorities.  

Demonstrate competency with the use of programming tools (such as Python, VB Script and SQL code or batch files) and BI Tools (such as Power BI, Yellowfin, ESRI Insight) to mine and visualize data from City of Kent business systems.

Deliver public safety web and mobile GIS solutions in partnership with GIS application developers using Esri (ArcGIS Online), ArcGIS Enterprise, and existing software being utilized by the City of Kent. This also includes implementing, maintaining, and working within GIS SDE SQL Server data management systems.

Author, document, and maintain all end-user and technical documentation as well as internal processes and procedures related to duties.

Actively support the vision, mission, values, and strategic goals of the department and the City.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Attend meetings, training, conferences, and seminars as appropriate to maintain current knowledge of technological advancements in the field and to maintain current understanding of assigned service area functions and programs. Represent the Police Department as required.

Perform all other related duties as assigned.

SUCCESSFUL INCUMBENTS FOR THIS POSITION WILL HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Cleaning and interpreting real world data, including finding necessary data and merging datasets across departments or subject areas.

• Geographic Information Systems, specifically ArcGIS 10.X, ArcPro or above

• Data analysis and business intelligence (BI), including report writing using Excel, Crystal Reports, Yellowfin, ESRI Insight, and/or SSRS

• IT Security concepts and issues

• The difference between web and desktop applications

• Relational database models and issues related to database design, performance, and security of SQL Server databases

• Programming concepts and the SDLC model

• Principles and practices of cartography, surveying, and mapping as well as interpretation of engineering plans and aerial photography

• Police Department policies and procedures

BE SKILLED IN:

• Documenting existing business and systems workflows and procedures as well as suggesting changes to address the needs of the assigned service areas in an optimized design

• Performing a variety of technical duties related to the design, development, acquisition, implementation, production support, and maintenance of complex computer and information-related systems; provide vendors with design specifications as needed

• Data and process analysis (assess, document/diagram, and optimize)

• Quantitative and qualitative research methodology

• SQL to develop queries within the Records Management System and GIS applications

• Reading and interpreting GIS files and export files in various formats

• Operating computer hardware peripherals, such as plotters, operating systems, and associated software packages that form the City’s GIS

• Evaluating customer needs, system requirements, and cost effectiveness to develop cost-saving alternatives and improve customer service

• Preparing and maintaining clear and accurate routine reports, correspondence, and procedures

• Analyzing situations accurately and adopting an effective course of action

• Advanced functional analysis skills to translate business requirements to application specifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

HAVE THE ABILITY TO:

• Demonstrate professionalism, tact, and discretion in addressing sensitive, controversial and emotionally charged issues, and the ability to foster and maintain positive and effective working relationships

• Support and champion building and sustaining a culture focused on continuous improvement and innovation and improving the overall quality and effectiveness of governmental services

• Provide technical expertise and assistance to the Professional Standards Unit and assigned service areas

• Learn computer software packages and adapt for specific customer applications quickly and effectively

• Plan for future growth and expenditures of assigned business systems

• Work effectively on several projects concurrently

• Work independently with minimal direct supervision and make decisions within broad guidelines

• Plan and organize work to meet project schedules and timelines

• Make mathematical calculations as applicable

• Resolve technical problems and complete projects within established procedures

• Read, understand, apply, and explain documents such as policy manuals, technical computer manuals and procedures, business periodicals, applicable laws, codes, regulations, and legal descriptions

• Understand and follow oral and written directions

• Communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form

• Maintain confidential and sensitive information

SKILLS FOR THE POSITION MAY BE GAINED THROUGH EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, RELEVANT JOB EXPERIENCE or a COMBINATION, SUCH AS:
 

Education:   Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Analytics, MIS, or related field; OR Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, or related field where applied research methodology was utilized; OR

Experience:  A minimum of three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in the analysis, design, change control, implementation, documentation and support of complex business processes and their corresponding information technology systems in Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server OR equivalent experience

LICENSES AND OTHER INFORMATION:

• Municipal government business computer systems experience is preferred

• Must successfully pass the Police Department's pre-employment fingerprinting, polygraph and background check, subject to periodic re-evaluation during course of employment as it pertains to Law Enforcement personnel.

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to,  personal computers, printers, scanners, telephones, fax machines, copiers and mobile devices.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met    by an individual 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 for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to type on keyboard for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, as it pertains to working in an office environment using devices such as common office furniture and equipment.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus as it pertains to working in an office environment using devices such as computers, mobile phones and telephones.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is usually performed in an office environment where interruptions and interpersonal communication with other staff members are frequent. Some driving may be required to attend regional meetings. Attendance at shift briefings and meetings outside of the traditional work week may be required.