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understanding the roles and responsibilities of the analysts. When an analyst is tasked with analyzing
vehicle crimes, recognition needs to be given for the varying skills, abilities, training and resources
available. These factors will determine the capability of the analyst as well as set the level of service
that may be needed. Oftentimes, analysts are given expectations to provide service without
considering these factors.
For a basic or entry-level analyst to progress, it is important to “begin to develop expertise in a specific
subject area and should have a more in-depth understanding of the analyst’s role, function, and
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critical-thinking techniques within a law enforcement or homeland security environment”.
An analyst, without previous experience, has the unique challenge of learning the basics of analysis
while becoming immersed in a specific subject area that qualifies them as an intermediate analyst.
To effectively analyze vehicle crimes, particular resources, skills, abilities and training may be
necessary. For example, analysts involved in vehicle crimes analysis may need specialized knowledge
and training pertaining to the identity of vehicles. This may include understanding how vehicle
identification numbers, product identification numbers and/or owner applied numbers are
generated, verified, or issued. It may be critical to understand the varying state and federal laws
regarding these numbers and how they are governed or used by dealerships, manufacturers, state
agencies or otherwise where the numbers are stored in state and national databases.
Strong encouragement is given to research and identify standards and expectations for the role and
responsibility of the analyst performing vehicle crimes. This research can be started with using
resources provided by the International Association of Criminal Intelligence Analysts
(https://www.ialeia.org/), International Association of Crime Analysts (https://it.ojp.gov/AT/),
National White Collar Crime Center (https://www.nw3c.org/). Analysts are encouraged to review
documents and information posted on the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators
(https://www.iaati.org/), Auto Theft Prevention Authorities Committee
(https://combatautotheft.org/Articles_Media.html), and Interpol
(https://www.interpol.int/Crimes/Vehicle-crime).
Leveraging experiences from other law enforcement analysts to identify new technologies,
methodologies and best practices is also advised. Reaching out to adjoining agencies, state agencies
and other national and international affiliations may result in not ‘re-creating the wheel’ and further
elevate justification to your local agency. It is recommended to review policies, procedures, job
descriptions, protocols, technology, database acquisition and management, and training related to
analysis of vehicle crimes.
4. Tools required
On a basic level, analysts involved in vehicle crimes must be guided by technology and have working
knowledge of managing data and utilizing tools to assist in analysis. This may include specific
knowledge on the records management system used by the agency, collating large amounts of data,
and enabling the ability to transfer the data into practical interpretation using mapping, charts,
graphs, narrative reporting or composing demonstrative exhibits. For example, many analysts need
intermediate skills on the use of data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Office® Excel, Apache OpenOffice,
LibreOffice, Google Docs, etc.), geo-spatial mapping tools (e.g., ArcGIS, MapBox, GoogleMaps,
BatchGeo, etc.), specific analytical tools, (e.g., IBM i2 Analyst Notebook, Streamline Machine Learning,
Maltego, Visallo, Linkurious, etc.), and supporting databases (e.g., National Crime Information Center,
14 Analyst Professional Development Road Map, Version 2.0; https://it.ojp.gov/AT/Resource/4
