Crime Mapping I: GIS Fundamentals

This 12-week online course introduces the core concepts and practical applications of geographic information systems (GIS) for crime analysis. Students will learn how to use ArcGIS to map, analyze, and interpret spatial data to support law enforcement operations and decision-making.

Throughout the course, students will work with real-world data to develop skills in data preparation, spatial analysis, hot spot identification, and map design. Emphasis is placed on applying GIS techniques to investigative and analytical workflows, culminating in the creation and presentation of actionable crime analysis products.

Instructor: Stacy Belledin

At a Glance

No textbook is required for this course.

Required Skills

This is an intermediate course. Students should have the following skills:

• Basic understanding of crime analysis concepts and terminology
• Experience working with data in Excel or similar tools
• General computer proficiency, including file management

If you do not meet these requirements, it is recommended to enroll in Essential Skills I and II first.

Software Requirements

This course requires Esri's ArcGIS Pro and the Crime Analysis solution. Students will receive an ArcGIS Pro license for the duration of the course.

You must meet the following criteria:

1. Your computer must have the minimum requirements for ArcGIS Pro to work on your computer as detailed at this link. (Note: Your computer must be a Windows machine, no Macs. The instructor cannot support a Mac installation, so you may only register using a Mac if you already have ArcGIS Pro installed on your machine.)
2. You must be able to have the rights to download executables to your computer. If you do not, you need to be sure you can get an IT administrator to help you during Week 1 within a reasonable time frame so you do not get behind in the course.
3. If you already have ArcGIS Pro installed on your computer, it must be the latest version.

Upcoming Sessions

Select your preferred quarter below. The buttons for available sessions all lead to the same pre-registration form. Your seat is not reserved until you complete the technical specifications survey and your computer is confirmed to meet the software requirements.

Note: availability labels are updated manually as seats fill. For the most accurate information, refer to the registration form. If a class does not appear on the form, it should be treated as sold out.

Class Format

Students should expect a time commitment of 3-5 hours per week to gain a passing grade. The course is graded as pass/fail and follows a weekly-structured online format, meaning the class advances through each topic together week by week. The final assignment must be completed to receive a passing grade, as well as at least 80% of the assignments.

Students can log in whenever it fits their schedule, and there are no live sessions. Participation throughout the course is required for a passing grade. As a rule, bulk submissions during the last week of class are not accepted unless prior authorization has been granted by the instructor.

Invitations to the learning platform are sent the weekend before class begins.

Course Outline

This course is organized into 12 weekly modules that introduce the foundations of cloud-based GIS and build toward creating web maps, publishing hosted data, configuring web applications, and sharing analytical products that support law enforcement decision-making.

Ready to Enroll?

Select your preferred quarter below using the button below. Your seat is not reserved until you complete the technical specifications survey and your computer is confirmed to meet the software requirements. If a session fills, students may contact [email protected] to ask about availability, the waitlist, or future offerings.