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 TEXTS DENOTED BELOW. Attendees are required to bring text to class. Cost of the material is the responsibility of the attendee. 

Course ​​​​​​​Prerequisites: 

Required Software (must be installed prior to the first day of class). All software are free:

Microsoft SQL Report Builder

Be comfortable with the basic functions of a computer. 

Familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access.

Understand basic mathematics and associated principles.

Students will need to have access to a Windows laptop (personal or employer issued/assigned). The host agency is unable to provide students with a laptop for use within the course.

Duration: 24 Hours (3 days)

Method: In Person

Restrictions: Restricted to Criminal Justice Employees only who are in a Full Duty status (or Light Duty due to medical). 

Required Disclosures: None

Fee: Course attendance is free, cost of materials at the students expense.

Note: 72 hours prior to the start date of a course, a minimum 50% of available seats should be filled. If this is not met, the instructor reserves the right to cancel the scheduled course at their discretion.

 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 RDBMS
• Database Structure Basics
• Basic Data Categories 
  • Structured Data
  • Unstructured Data
  • Data Lake(s)
• Basic Data Formats
  • Integers
  • Decimals / Floats
  • Text and Characters
  • Dates / Times
  • Implicit Conversions
  • Explicit Conversions 
• SQL Basics
• SQL Syntax
• Using SQL to retrieve, model, and understand related data
• How to use Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Service - the basics
• The Dreaded Joins Made Easy
  • Left Join
  • Right Join
  • Inner Join
  • Outer Join
• Operators
  • And
  • Or
  • Like
• Clause Basics
  • Order By
  • Where
  • From
  • All
  • Having

Required Text