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Entry Level Crime Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Crime Analyst information

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$14

$38

$67

How much do entry level crime analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level crime analyst in California is $38.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.62 and $47.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level crime analyst?

An Entry Level Crime Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets crime data to identify patterns and trends that assist law enforcement in crime prevention and investigations. They use statistical tools, mapping software, and databases to produce reports, maps, and briefings. This role involves working closely with law enforcement officers and detectives to provide insights that improve policing strategies. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in data analysis are essential for success in this position.

What does an entry level crime analyst do?

A typical day for an Entry Level Crime Analyst involves gathering and analyzing crime data, creating maps and reports, and identifying patterns or trends to support law enforcement investigations. You may collaborate with police officers, detectives, and senior analysts to prioritize cases, brief teams on emerging issues, or assist in planning crime prevention efforts. Daily tasks often include data entry, report writing, and presenting findings to supervisors or community groups. Over time, you may take on more complex analyses and gain exposure to specialized projects or larger investigations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level crime analyst?

To thrive as an Entry Level Crime Analyst, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Familiarity with crime mapping software (such as ArcGIS), database management systems, and Microsoft Excel is commonly required, while some roles may also seek proficiency with specialized analytical tools or certifications like CompTIA Data+. Detail orientation, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are key soft skills. These qualities are essential for accurately interpreting data, presenting findings, and contributing to effective law enforcement strategies.

Can I be an entry level crime analyst without a degree?

Entry level crime analysts typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Relevant skills such as data analysis, familiarity with crime mapping tools, and strong analytical abilities can also be important for entry-level positions. Certifications or training in data analysis software may enhance job prospects but are not always mandatory.

How do you start a career as an entry level crime analyst?

To start a career as an entry-level crime analyst, obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Gaining skills in data analysis, GIS software, and crime mapping, along with internships or entry-level positions in law enforcement or public safety agencies, can improve job prospects.

How hard is it to become an entry level crime analyst?

Becoming an entry level crime analyst typically requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field. Developing skills in data analysis, familiarity with crime mapping tools, and understanding law enforcement procedures can help ease entry into the role, which often involves on-the-job training and certification programs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Crime Analyst jobs in California?

The most popular types of Crime Analyst jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Crime Analyst jobs in California?

For Entry Level Crime Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Crime Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Crime Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Crime Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Crime Analyst job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Crime Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, and 39% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $79,298 per year, or $38.1 per hour.

Crime Analyst I/II/Senior

City of West Sacramento

West Sacramento, CA

$74K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Preference will be given to candidates with experience collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to identify patterns and trends, along with strong research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Experience communicating findings clearly through written reports and presentations, are also highly desirable. Candidates who have a law enforcement or military background, are encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION: Crime Analyst I/II: The Crime Analyst I/II prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information and recommendations relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of patrol deployment, crime prevention, and the apprehension of suspects. Senior Crime Analyst: The Senior Crime Analyst prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information and recommendations relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity for the purpose of increasing the effectiveness of patrol deployment, crime prevention, and the apprehension of suspects. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Crime Analyst I/II: Receives immediate and general direction from the Police Chief or designee.

No direct supervision of staff is exercised. Senior Crime Analyst: The Senior Crime Analyst receives general direction from the Police Chief or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.

Responsibilities may include the indirect and/or functional supervision of lower-level staff. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS: This civilian series position is involved in the analysis of criminal activities and crime series trends and patterns in order to increase the effectiveness and efficiency in the deployment of resources and apprehension of suspects. This position is responsible for developing research protocols, analyzing, reporting, and coordinating the dissemination of the information gathered, and assisting in the development of processes for field-based data capture.

The Crime Analyst I is the entry level classification within the Crime Analyst series. The classification is used for employees to learn the duties of a Crime Analyst in the City of West Sacramento. Initially, under close supervision, the incumbent performs the more routine duties while learning City policies and procedures and becoming familiar with the variety of departmental systems and practices.

As experience is gained, duties become more diversified and are performed under more general supervision. The Crime Analyst II is considered the journey level in the series, exercising more independence of direction and judgement and knowledge of analysis of criminal activities and crime series trends. This class is distinguished from the Senior Crime Analyst in that the latter serves as the advanced level in the series.

The Crime Analyst I is flexibly staffed with the Crime Analyst II and advancement to the Crime Analyst II shall occur after satisfactorily performing the duties of a Crime Analyst I for two (2) year. Satisfactory performance means an overall satisfactory or higher rating on the performance evaluation during the last evaluation period. Upon recommendation and approval of the Police Chief, a Crime Analyst II may advance to the Senior Crime Analyst upon attaining the minimum qualifications for the position, demonstrating the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Senior Crime Analyst duties and successfully completing an approved career progression plan.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Illustrative Only): Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of procedures, policies, and objectives of the Crime Analysis Unit. Prepares, analyzes, and disseminates information relevant to actual and anticipated criminal activity.

Prepares recommendations relative to patrol deployment and other department programs. Conducts special research and analytical studies of suspects, incidents, and crime patterns. Develops data collection and recording systems.

Maintains manual and automated systems for storage and retrieval of crime information, including logging crime reports, determining what information to store, and making data entries. Prepares and produces crime data reports and studies. Applies knowledge of criminal justice system and standard police procedures to determine methodology of collecting and collating data from a variety of sources for analytical use.

Operates mainframe and PC based computer systems and related peripherals, including disk drives, modems, plotters, and various printers. Develops and maintains effective liaison with state and local law enforcement agencies to exchange intelligence information. Prepares and presents oral and written reports at meetings and briefings.

Provides staff training. Prepares and assists in the administration of grants, including the preparation of quarterly and annual reports, and other special administrative projects. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be: Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, behavioral or computer science, statistics, public or business administration or a closely-related field including course work in research and statistical methods. Experience: Crime Analyst I: One (1) year of increasingly responsible analytical staff work.

Crime Analyst II: Two (2) year of experience performing duties comparable to a Crime Analyst I with the City of West Sacramento. Senior Crime Analyst: Two (2) year of experience performing duties comparable to a Crime Analyst II with the City of West Sacramento. (4 total years of comparable experience performing duties related to a Crime Analyst.) Current or prior experience with a criminal justice agency in dealing with criminal information is desirable

Qualifying experience in the analysis of criminal activities may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES: If required, possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license. Crime Analyst I/II: Crime Analyst I/II: Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program is highly desirable.

Possession of POST Certificates in: Introduction to Crime Analysis, Advanced Concepts in Crime Analysis, and/or Criminal Intelligence are highly desirable. Senior Crime Analyst: Possession of either a Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program or POST Certificates in: Introduction to Crime Analysis, Advanced Concepts in Crime Analysis, and/or Criminal Intelligence. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work in an office environment; sustained posture in a seated position for prolonged periods of time.

Prior to assignment at the Police Department, an employee must successfully pass a background investigation. The background investigation is required on all civilian Police Department personnel who will have access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) equipment and Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI). PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

Positions in this classification occasionally lift and carry reports and records that typically weigh less than 20 pounds. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS: Employees work in an office and field environment in support of law enforcement with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing department guidelines, policies and procedures.

An applicant who qualifies for veterans' preference and successfully places on an eligibility list for initial entrance into employment with the city shall be advanced one rank on the final eligibility list. Where there are five (5) or less qualified applicants, no veterans' preference shall apply and all applicants shall be placed on the certification list forwarded to the departments for hiring consideration. The exercise of veterans' preference shall be exhausted upon appointment to a regular position from an eligibility list.

An official City of West Sacramento application form must be filled out, in its entirety. It is the applicant's responsibility to explain their qualifications fully and clearly. In addition, applicants must submit a resume and complete the required supplemental questionnaire (if applicable).

Incomplete information on the application, resume and/or supplemental questionnaire may be cause for disqualification. Application packages will be reviewed and screened for qualifications. Additional screening criteria will be developed based on the supplemental questionnaire (if applicable).