Careers in criminal justice are as much a calling as they are a profession. The desire to give back to the community and keep it safe is a strong motivator. But working the beat as a police officer or storming enemy cells as a CIA operative is not for everyone. Many consider instead working as a criminal intelligence analyst.
The idea that crimes can be solved and prevented through the use of analysis and logic is not new. How often did Sherlock Holmes or Magnum, P.I. catch the crook by looking at the clues left behind? Modern intelligence analysts are trained to connect the dots using various computer models and social science methods. If you have an interest in statistics, sociology, and public service, a career as intelligence analyst may be the answer.
Crime and intelligence analysts are employed at all levels of government: local, state, and federal. They work with police officers, detectives, FBI agents, and even the military to find patterns and predict criminal behaviors. Since September 11, 2001, the importance of intelligence analysts has increased as the nation has become more focused on unearthing terrorists before they strike.
Work as an intelligence analyst is not always glamorous. Most of your time will be spent analyzing data and combing reports for relevant information. This type of research is intensive, and at times tedious. Much of the work of an intelligence analyst is done on a computeranalysts use programs to uncover patterns in seemingly random data. But it will be your ability to pick out the most important factors from a veritable mountain of information that will be your greatest asset. You must have a keen eye for detail.
Day-to-day intelligence analysts work in the office, not in the field. The officers and agents will gather the data and write the reports from which you work. The benefit of this is that that job is typically a 9 to 5, 40-hour workweek. Certain projects may require overtime, but for the most part you can expect a steady schedule.
The economic climate being what it is, all job seekers must consider salary. It turns out that for those interested in criminal justice, salary is rising steadily with demand. Analysts starting out in smaller markets can look to earn $23,000 to $30,000 per year. Top-level analysts working for the federal government can earn as much as $120,000 per year.
The level of education necessary for a job as an intelligence analyst is dependent on what type of agency you will be working for. While federal jobs require at minimum a bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited university, smaller units at the county level may only require a two-year degree. In all cases, course work in criminal justice, psychology, and other social sciences is crucial.
Another important factor is work experience in a law-enforcement setting. There is no substitute for on-the-job experience, and agencies will want to see that you are comfortable working in the criminal justice world.
In applying for a job as an intelligence analyst, be aware that you will be subjected to a criminal background check. Agencies such as the FBI will not hire analysts who have a felony on their record. Furthermore, you can expect to be tested for drug use. If you are concerned about your criminal record, you might want to look into a company that will perform free criminal background checks.
As analysts are employed at all ranks of government, there is a strong opportunity for advancement in this field. After gaining experience in a smaller unit, analysts can apply for jobs in larger markets. Agencies such as the FBI are even willing to relocate particularly qualified candidates to their national offices. You can expect to spend a minimum of two years at each level, and perhaps more. Furthermore, you may be required to perform an internship of at least 400 hours before beginning your first job.
Intelligence analysts rely heavily on emerging technologies and new ways of looking at information. Unsurprisingly, there are a host of professional associates on the state and national level that create forums for discussing and sharing these new ideas. If you are interested in a career in the field, take a look at the following organizations: