San Diego Crime and Intelligence Analysts Association

Linking Crooks & Crime:  Analysts Make the Connection

Anyone who has attended a CCIAA Conference before will tell you it is one of the most inspiring and thought–provoking experiences they have ever undertaken in crime analysis. Many feel that the innovative content and opportunities to learn new techniques have transformed the way they work – boosting their skillset and thus the effectiveness of their respective departments.

The current economic climate being what it is, your supervisors will inevitably be reluctant to dedicate shrinking resources to fund your attendance at an ‘innovative conference’. They will probably reiterate that they need to direct precious resources, now more than ever, into reducing crime.

You can use this to maneuver your request in order to secure approval.

Explain how your attendance will help the department work more efficiently – to do more for less – all through a modest investment that has the potential to reinvigorate the department’s analytical capabilities.

Stressing the following points will help you to support your case. You’ll also find an email below that you can copy, modify as necessary, and send directly to your supervisor to initiate the conversation.

ü  Strengthen & broaden skills and knowledge.

The CCIAA Conference is arguably one of the most comprehensive educational events in the profession, covering Tactical, Strategic & Intelligence Analysis. There are over twenty five sessions & workshops to choose from, including Hands On Computer Lab Topics

ü  Increase analytical software proficiency

The software experts at CCIAA teach valuable tricks & techniques for working in Arcmap, Excel, ParoleLeads and many more – shortcuts that can save time, quickening the submission of information to officers & command staff, enabling them to make informed decisions

ü  Learn how to be more innovative

Many of this year’s sessions & workshops are based on provoking creative solutions to recurring crime problems – from critical thinking skills to predictive analysis

ü  Acquire new techniques applicable to attendee’s agency

The presenters at CCIA share real-world case studies from a broad spectrum of agencies that have successfully integrated Intelligence Led Policing methodologies

ü  Networking Opportunities

There will be networking events with accomplished analysts with unique skills and experiences to share – an invaluable opportunity to forge relationships that can be utilized long after the conference has passed

ü  Brief Colleagues

Returning attendees can brief colleagues, combining notes & ideas with session handouts.

Email Text

If you are unsure of how to broach the topic of the CCIAA conference, the email below is a good way to initiate any discussions.

{your boss’ name here},

I would like the opportunity to attend the 2011 CCIAA Training Symposium in San Diego, October 19 – 21, 2011. The Conference offers unique workshops and training that will enable me to improve my knowledge and skills. By improving my capabilities I will be able to help the department work more effectively and efficiently through comprehensive and innovative crime analysis.

Invited speakers and trainers are highly accomplished and respected members of the Crime Analysis profession. They will be sharing cutting edge techniques and teaching invaluable skills and methods based on their own experience and expertise.

I would be grateful if {agency name} could consider funding my attendance at this conference and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the details with you further.

Sincerely,

{your name}