Introduction to SQL for Public Safety Agencies

SQL, or Structured Query Language, is the key that opens the world of data retrieval, modification, and processing, and this course puts that key right into your hands. This beginner-friendly program guides you through the essentials of SQL, an easy-to-learn yet powerful language that transforms the way you manage and leverage structured databases.

The course structure includes a blend of engaging activities and practical exercises designed to help you master SQL's basic query statements. You'll learn to efficiently retrieve, analyze, and manipulate data—skills that will dramatically enrich your ability to draw actionable insights from your agency's data collections.

Not only will you grasp the fundamentals of SQL, but you'll also delve into the applications of Microsoft Report Builder. In the context of criminal justice, effective data presentation is as crucial as the data itself. Our course ensures you're well-equipped to construct comprehensive reports, visualizations, and dashboards, helping you maximize the use of your agency's data.

Our additional guides, tips, and tricks will provide you with practical knowledge that you can directly apply to your day-to-day tasks and assignments. Whether it's optimizing database queries or understanding complex data relationships, we've got you covered.

Ideal for beginners or individuals with little to no SQL experience, this course is tailor-made for those working in agencies that use Microsoft SQL Servers to manage criminal justice data. If you're looking to bolster your data analysis skills and want to extract the maximum value from your agency's data, then this course is perfect for you.

Remember: This course is not about turning you into a database administrator overnight—it's about giving you a solid understanding of SQL's fundamental concepts.

REQUIRED COURSE TEXT: Attendees must bring the required text to class. Cost of the material is the responsibility of the attendee.

Course Details

• Prerequisites:
  • Microsoft SQL Report Builder (must be installed before class)
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access
  • Basic understanding of mathematics
• Technology Requirements: Students must bring a Windows laptop (personal or employer-issued). Host agency does not provide devices.
• Duration: 24 Hours (3 Days)
• Method: In Person
• Restrictions: Restricted to Criminal Justice Employees in Full or Light Duty status
• Disclosures: None
• Fee: Free attendance. Students are responsible for material costs.
• Cancellation Policy: If fewer than 50% of seats are filled 72 hours before the course start date, the instructor may cancel the course.

Course Objectives

After successfully completing the course, attendees will be able to know, discuss, use, and execute the following fundamentals:

• Who, what, where, when, and why of SQL
• Introduction to the SQL programming language
• Law Enforcement Data Collection Ethics and Best Practices
• Basics of a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS)
• Understanding database structures
• Basic Data Categories:
  • Structured Data
  • Unstructured Data
  • Data Lakes
• Common Data Formats:
  • Integers
  • Decimals / Floats
  • Text / Characters
  • Dates / Times
  • Implicit and Explicit Conversions
• SQL Basics:
  • SQL Syntax and Structure
  • Data retrieval and modeling with SQL
  • Introduction to Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS)
  • Joins Explained Simply:
    • LEFT JOIN
    • RIGHT JOIN
    • INNER JOIN
    • OUTER JOIN
  • SQL Operators:
    • AND
    • OR
    • LIKE
  • Clause Fundamentals:
    • ORDER BY
    • WHERE
    • FROM
    • ALL
    • HAVING