In this course, we will address the importance of the origin and integrity of the data an analyst uses. Data that has been improperly collected or entered can set back an entire work project and cause you a lot of headaches. The need for “clean” data is crucial -- one bad or incorrect piece of data in your analysis and your entire product could be tainted.
As an analyst, it is your job to know the types of problems to look for when you are using data from your agency and other outside sources. The reliability of the data must be examined and you must be aware of issues in your agency’s records management system. These problems WILL affect you as an analyst so it is very important to be able to identify a potential problem before it is too late.
An analyst cannot effect change in data collection without the support of their management. In this unit, we will discuss the importance of chain of command and how the confines of the management structure must be considered when trying to fix a data-based problem.
This course will improve students' ability to describe the data used in crime analysis, identify how data integrity can become compromised and explain how data problems can be corrected. You will also be able to recognize the importance of chain-of-command when attempting to effect changes in data collection.