Investigators who have access to criminal intelligence analysts have a powerful and time-saving resource at their disposal. In my eight years of being a criminal intelligence analyst, I quickly became the “go to” analyst for numerous investigators when a case presented itself with call detail records, social media records, Cellebrite and GrayKey extractions, case organization and trial exhibits.
It became customary for the investigators to bring me these records early in the investigation to create cell phone analysis and maps, as well as review case documents to assist in the prosecution or to assist in finding a missing person. Being treated as part of the investigative team, I was always invited to the case briefings and early meetings with the investigator and prosecutor to better prepare for what might be needed later down the road in trial. This practice proved invaluable and usually resulted in a conviction.
Investigators were happy to share the case information with me, so I had a full picture of all the data sets I analyzed. Being well-informed helped in finding leads, co-conspirators, associates, missing persons and so much more. Immersing myself in the case, coupled with the passion to bring justice to the victims, always advanced the case much further than just doing what was asked of me.
Although, my previous training and experience in law enforcement helped me as a criminal intelligence analyst, my agency saw the importance of specialized training and certification. Many of these courses/seminars/conferences were unique to a crime type and many students were sworn investigators, but law enforcement analysts are welcome to attend these trainings, too! There are also specialized certifications you can obtain, as well as analyst report writing courses, to help you grow as an analyst.
