Crime Analyst I/II

Salary : $76,007.62 - $92,387.62 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: FY 27-00162
Department: Police Department
Division: Police - Support
Opening Date: 09/23/2026

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Santa Maria Police Department is seeking a highly analytical, innovative, and collaborative professional to serve as its next Crime Analyst. This position plays a critical role in supporting public safety operations by transforming crime and intelligence data into actionable information that enhances decision-making, crime prevention, and deployment strategies. The Crime Analyst serves as a trusted resource to command staff, investigators, patrol personnel, and regional law enforcement partners by identifying crime patterns, emerging trends, and operational risks throughout the City of Santa Maria.

The Ideal Candidate will be:

• Skilled Crime Analyst proven through experience gained working at a Law Enforcement Agency
• Highly Motivated
• Driven
• Analytical
• A Team Player
• Detail and solution oriented
• Excellent in written and verbal communication

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:

(Note - this position is represented and a part of the general employee's bargaining unit SEIU Local 620)

REQUIRED SUBMITTALS:
Due upon application:
• Cover letter
• Resume
DUTIES
These duties are a representative example; position assignments may vary depending on the business needs of the department and organization. This position:

• Collects, analyzes, and presents crime, offender, demographic, and related data used in allocating and deploying police department resources.
• Develops and generates criminal and investigative reports.
• Provides/develops effective deployment, prevention and apprehension strategies and programs.
• Analyzes and Identifies crime patterns; assists in the effective allocation and deployment of police resources in the control of crime activities.
• Prepares reports that effectively present statistical data; makes oral and written presentations.
• Attends meetings; proactively contacts law enforcement and other agencies to obtain and provide crime related data; etc.
• Scope of assigned area will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the department director.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable and punctual attendance.

Incumbents should have a solid foundation of the following core competencies identified by the organization to be essential and listed in order of importance (click the hyper link to see the full definition Individual Contributor Competencies):

• Team Player - Effective performers are team oriented, share resources, respond to requests, and support a spirit of cooperative effort.
• Customer Orientation - Effective performers are in touch with community needs and review the organization through the eyes of Santa Maria residents. They go out of their way to anticipate needs.
• Integrity - Effective performers think and act ethically and honestly, take responsibility for their actions and foster a work environment where integrity is rewarded.
• Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange and the competitive advantage it brings. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information, even across great distances. They take responsibility for ensuring that their people have the current and accurate information needed for success.
• Initiative - Effective performers are proactive and take action without being prompted. They do not wait to be told what to do or when to do it. They see a need, take responsibility, and act on it. They make things happen.
• Composure - Effective performers maintain emotional control, even under ambiguous or stressful circumstances, and demonstrate emotions appropriate to the situation.
• Functional/Technical Expertise - Effective performers are knowledgeable and skilled in a functional specialty (e.g., finance, public works, planning, information technology, human resources, etc.), and remain current in their area of expertise.
• Problem Solving & Decision Making - Effective performers identify problems, solve them, act decisively, and show good judgment.
• Learning Agility - Effective performers continuously seek new knowledge, are curious, learn quickly, and use new information effectively.
• Drive/Energy - Effective performers have a high level of energy and are ambitious and passionate about their role. They have stamina and endurance to maintain a fast pace.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Crime Analyst I:
  • Ideally, two years working as a crime analyst for a law enforcement agency; and
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate's degree or higher in a relevant field is ideal. Use computer and other office equipment effectively; Microsoft Office Suite (or equivalent); proficiency in other computer software; ability to learn new technology.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Current technical/professional knowledge of complex principles, methods, standards, and techniques associated with the scope of work of a recognized profession, such as:
  • Effective verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Possess the ability to effectively give presentations to City staff and the public.

SELECTION PROCESS

In addition to your completed application, a cover letter and resume are required as part of the application process. If a cover letter and resume are not attached, your application will be considered incomplete.

The most qualified candidates will be selected to appear before a panel for an oral interview. Those applicants invited to an interview will be notified electronically at the email address provided by each candidate through the application process. Therefore, it is the applicant's responsibility to provide an accurate email address and to allow their inbox to receive emails in regard to this recruitment. The oral board will recommend a limited number of candidates to the eligibility list from which the new Crime Analyst may be selected.

Prior to an offer of employment, applicants must pass a thorough background investigation to the satisfaction of the City.

If you are experiencing any technical (computer related) difficulties or need help with attaching documents to your application, please call the NEOGOV help line for assistance at 1-855-524-5627.
The following benefits vary by bargaining unit. For full benefit information please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding or compensation resolution available at

Retirement
The City of Santa Maria is a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). Your benefit factor is determined by the retirement formula, age, service credit and final compensation. Based upon your bargaining unit and hire date the benefit factor will vary.
Health Insurance
Medical Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). There are four Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO's) and three Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO's) to choose from. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

The City has a medical insurance benefit program which provides either payment towards the premium for the employee and eligible dependents, or cash payment if you and your dependent(s) already have health benefits. Evidence of major medical health insurance coverage is required for those employees who receive the cash payment. See Memorandum of Understanding for eligibility requirements.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided to employees and eligible dependents through The Standard covering 100% of Preventive; 90% of Basic; and 60% of Major with a minimal deductible. The plan includes a Max Builder option rewarding insured employees and their dependents who use only a portion of their annual dental benefit maximum. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.

Vision Insurance
Vision Insurance is available to employees and eligible dependents. Coverage is through VSP and covers an annual Well Vision exam and an allowance towards prescription glasses. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Life Insurance and AD&D Coverage
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week are eligible for Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. Supplemental life, spousal and dependent child options are also available. The benefit amount varies per bargaining unit.
Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
All employees working a minimum of thirty two (32) hours per week, excluding Sworn Police and Fire shall participate in the short-term and long-term disability plan with coverage up to 66 2/3% of salary. Sworn Police and Fire are covered through their respective bargaining unit.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
The City offers a flexible spending account option for Dependent Care and Health Care Expenses. With these plans, employees can choose to place a portion of their earnings into a personal reimbursement account on a pre-tax basis. Doing so lowers employees' taxable income for the year and allows them to pay for their qualified dependent care and eligible health care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

Employee Assistance Program
The City provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through AETNA for all full and part time employees and their eligible dependents. The confidential EAP program can refer employees to professional counselors and services that can help resolve emotional health, family and work-life issues, or provide help with childcare and eldercare assistance, financial and legal services, identity theft recovery services and daily living services.
Wellness Program
Offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being. The City's Wellness Program includes ergonomic evaluations, flu shots, and Wellness Workshops during lunch and after work. Access to the Paul Nelson Aquatics Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to the Weight room at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center for employee and immediate family members. Access to employee discounts and special offers on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining and services.
Mentorship Program
This professional development program of mentoring and job shadowing provides mentees with an opportunity to be mentored by experienced staff with the objective of developing specific skills and knowledge that will enhance the participants' leadership skills and promote professional growth.
Succession Planning
The academies are offered to all employees including those that are not yet in a supervisory role, but are interested in becoming leaders within the organization as well as our executive management team who have an interest in honing their skills and helping to prepare our future leaders. In addition to multiple leadership academies, the City offers quarterly Speaker Series, a corporate Toastmasters club available for City employees, site tours of various departments, and more.
Deferred Compensation
Employees may participate in the City's 457 Deferred Compensation Plan sponsored by either Empower or CalPERS Supplemental Income. The plan enables employees to save salary and earn interest on a tax-deferred basis. A City match is available based upon representation.
The City also provides an IRS approved 401(a) plan sponsored by Empower for managers represented by Non-Represented Full-Time Management & Confidential (NMAC).