Tactical Crime Analysis

In-Person Training
This course is offered in person on a limited basis when scheduled.

Upcoming Sessions

March 16-20, 2026

  • Mon-Thurs 0830-1630, Fri 0830-1200
  • Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board, 500 South 9th St, Springfield, IL 62701
  • Instructor Stacy Belledin
  • Cost: $445 for IACA members, $520 for non-members
  • Register | Springfield Logistics (PDF)

Course Overview

Tactical Crime Analysis is a four-and-a-half-day, analyst-focused workshop designed to build practical skills for identifying, analyzing, and responding to crime patterns and series. The course emphasizes how analysts support operational decision-making by detecting emerging patterns, analyzing their key characteristics, and developing actionable recommendations for law enforcement response.

Building on core concepts typically introduced in a fundamentals-level course, participants apply theory, critical thinking, and analytical techniques to real-world crime scenarios using hands-on exercises and a comprehensive capstone project.

Topics Covered

Participants will learn about:

  • The tactical crime analysis process, including relevant terms, concepts, and theory
  • Foundational elements of tactical analysis, such as jurisdictional knowledge, data management, and critical thinking
  • Methods for identifying crime patterns and series, including threshold analysis and report comparison
  • Analytical techniques for examining patterns by time, location, victim, offender, and modus operandi
  • Temporal and spatial analysis techniques, including basic forecasting methods
  • Victim, target, and offender analysis for active crime series
  • Modus operandi analysis and identification of unusual or distinctive behaviors
  • Development of effective tactical analysis products and considerations for dissemination
  • Tactical response strategies, including suppression, apprehension, and opportunity-blocking
  • Evaluation and follow-up processes to assess effectiveness and improve future responses

Intended Audience & Prerequisites

  • Intended for crime analysts and analysts-in-training involved in operational or tactical analysis
  • Appropriate for beginners with foundational training as well as intermediate analysts seeking to strengthen tactical skills
  • Prior coursework in crime analysis fundamentals (such as IACA’s Fundamentals of Crime Analysis) or equivalent experience is recommended

Format & Logistics

Typical length 4.5 days
Delivery format In-person, instructor-led
Hands-on instruction Yes. Combination of lecture, manual calculations, paper-based exercises, and applied analysis
Equipment Participants are strongly encouraged to bring a laptop with Microsoft Excel

While some techniques are demonstrated using computer-based tools, the course emphasizes understanding the underlying theory and analytical reasoning behind tactical methods.

Certificate & CEUs

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate of completion and applicable continuing education units (CEUs), as determined by IACA policy.

Online Alternative

IACA does not currently offer an online version of Tactical Crime Analysis. However, Pattern Analysis for Law Enforcement Analysts is a 12-week online course that covers related concepts in crime pattern identification and analysis.

While the courses are not equivalent, the online course may be a good option for analysts seeking structured training in pattern analysis when in-person offerings are not available.

Hosting or Course Questions

IACA periodically partners with agencies to deliver in-person training courses.

If your agency is interested in hosting Tactical Crime Analysis, or if you have questions about this course, please contact the IACA Training Committee at [email protected].