Traditionally, law enforcement has utilized criminal and intelligence analysts to assist in collecting data, determining crime trends and most importantly, supporting investigations. These analysts are frequently limited in number and generally are a shared resource among agencies or departments. The war on terrorism revealed the need for a higher level of analysis with the primary function of predicting and preventing criminal activity.
In 2003, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) developed the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy. This academy is the first of its kind in the nation. Analysts learn criminal and intelligence analysis skills that are used by law enforcement and other emergency responders to successfully prevent crime and conduct complex investigations.
FDLE’s long-term goal in creating the Florida Law Enforcement Analyst Academy was to establish and provide a uniform training curriculum in the area of law enforcement analysis. In addition, the establishment of this analyst academy sets the foundation for a professional career path in criminal and intelligence analysis and investigations for non-sworn personnel in law enforcement.
During this six-week academy, the analysts are challenged with hands-on training, assignments and weekly quizzes. They develop the skills necessary to complete individual and group research projects. Students take a comprehensive examination following the completion of all course work. Successful graduates receive a state certification as a Law Enforcement Analyst.
To date, seventeen academies have been delivered and 417 analysts have graduated, becoming the first certified law enforcement analysts in the state of Florida. These graduates represent over 107 different agencies and run the gamut of tasks and responsibilities possibly assigned to an analyst.
FDLE offers the Analyst Academy and training courses free of charge to all state, local and municipal law enforcement and investigative agencies within the State of Florida. Hotel arrangements are made on behalf of the students and reimbursements will occur after the training is completed. Analysts outside of the state can attend as space is available; however their agencies will be responsible for travel costs incurred to attend the Academy.
For more information, please email
AnalystTraining@fdle.state.fl.us.
Class 19 will be held in Tallahassee and will begin in July. Dates have not yet been finalized. The deadline to apply for Class 19 is April 1, 2012.
The tentative location for Class 20 will be Tampa and will begin in January 2013. Dates have not yet been finalized. The deadline to apply for Class 20 is October 1, 2012.