In today's digitized world, each activity we engage in - whether using our phones, driving our cars, transacting at the bank, browsing the internet, or interacting on social media - generates a consistent trail of digital data. This data is an untapped wellspring of investigative potential. The question is not if we can utilize these data trails to solve crimes, but rather "how". This course provides you with the answer.

Using Data to Solve Crime Within Criminal Investigations is a comprehensive introduction to data and information analysis, crafted specifically with criminal investigators in mind. We will guide you through the complex terrain of various data types, providing you with the skills needed to synthesize this information effectively, ethically, and legally. Importantly, we'll teach you to sift through vast volumes of data quickly and accurately - an indispensable skill in today's data-dense investigative landscape.

Data analysis is a linchpin in the toolkit of the modern investigator. By identifying connections among seemingly unrelated information, uncovering hidden patterns, and revealing crucial leads, you will unlock new depths to your investigative prowess.

This course is essential for any criminal investigator eager to fully harness the power of data. Embracing the potential of data will not only elevate your investigative skills but also significantly contribute to solving crimes and enhancing public safety.

Course ​​​​​​​Prerequisites: 

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

Microsoft Power BI Desktop

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: 40 Hours (5 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

Course Objectives

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

• Fundamental understanding of types of data
• How to use basic Microsoft Excel functions to sort/clean/group ordinal data
• How to combine location data (Lat/Long) with other forms of data such as incident locations, phone numbers, license plate readers, call detail records, ShotSpotter downloads, crime tips and more
• Use of Business Intelligence (BI) tools to combine VAST quantities of data into a useful lead generator
• Practical exercises designed to explore BI software including
  • Exploration of Call Records (10,000 + calls/messages)
  • Making the most of a court ordered cell phone download
  • Combining CDR data with cell site data spanning multiple days/jurisdictions/phone providers
  • Creating visuals (top 5 callers, common phone numbers found in cell tower downloads, ect.)
  • Understanding financial records
  • Recoding data so it makes sense to you
• Gain access to free criminal justice BI software
• Generate leads quicker, efficiently, accurately, and solve cases using data analytics
• Exploration of data ethics within criminal justice investigations

Suggested Text

Although not required, the following text is of significant assistance for this course.