Problem Analysis

This 12-week online course teaches students how to examine long-term crime and disorder problems and recommend effective responses using problem-oriented policing principles. Students will learn how to analyze underlying conditions that contribute to recurring issues and apply criminology theory and research methods to support practical, data-informed solutions.

Throughout the course, students will explore environmental criminology, structured problem analysis, response development, and assessment strategies. The lessons emphasize operational application, helping analysts move beyond describing incidents to understanding causes, evaluating responses, and presenting findings in a way that supports action.

Instructor: Stacy Belledin

At a Glance

No textbook is required for this course.

Upcoming Sessions

Select the session that works best for your schedule. Once a session has passed or is already in progress, registration is disabled.

Note: availability labels are updated manually. 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

This course is intended for analysts with 2-3 years of experience and/or who have a basic understanding of analytical skills, including: how to use various crime analysis computer applications and manipulate data; identify hot spots and how to relate them to demographic or other data; produce charts, graphs, and reports that support departmental or CompStat-like operations; and have basic knowledge of statistics and research methodology.

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.

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 week before class begins.

Course Outline

This course is organized into 12 weekly modules that introduce the principles of problem-oriented policing and build toward analyzing recurring crime and disorder issues, developing effective responses, assessing outcomes, and applying the full problem-analysis process in a capstone project.

Ready to Enroll?

Choose the upcoming session and complete your registration. If you have questions about whether this class is the right fit, contact [email protected] before registering.