NACA RESOURCE LIBRARY

Our curated resource list bridges foundational crime analysis principles with practical, problem-solving strategies, equipping NACA members with essential guides, analytical tools, and professional development materials to enhance evidence-based policing and operational effectiveness.

Foundational Guides & Problem-Oriented Policing

Core references for building knowledge of crime analysis and connecting it to problem-solving.

● Introductory Guide to Crime Analysis and Mapping - NCJRS overview of foundational crime analysis and mapping concepts.
● Crime Analysis for Problem Solvers in 60 Small Steps - Clarke & Eck's widely used step-by-step primer, hosted by the POP Center.
● Using Analysis for Problem-Solving: A Guidebook for Law Enforcement - COPS Office guidebook (Bynum) on applying analysis across the SARA model, including survey and interview design
● Enhancing the Problem-Solving Capacity of Crime Analysis Units - COPS Office guide (White, 2008) on integrating analysts more effectively into problem-oriented policing.
● The Integration of Crime Analysis into Patrol Work: A Guidebook - Practical guidance for connecting analytical products to day-to-day patrol operations.
● A Police Organizational Model for Crime Reduction - Boba & Santos' framework for structuring agencies around analysis-driven crime reduction.
● ASU Center for Problem-Oriented Policing (POP Center) - Central hub for problem-oriented guides, case studies, and training materials.

Analytical Tools & Platforms

Software and platforms analysts use to manage, analyze, and present data.

● BJA Analysis Toolkit - Bureau of Justice Assistance resources supporting analytic and technology capacity.
● NIJ-Funded Software Tools, Apps, and Databases - Directory of software developed through NIJ research funding.
● FBI Crime Data Explorer - National dashboard for exploring UCR/NIBRS crime data by agency, state, and year.
● Power BI Resource Guide - Software resource guide from NACA.
● Excel Resource Guide - Software resource guide from NACA.
● ESRI Crime Analysis Learning Plan (Requires a free ESRI account).

Research & Data

Data repositories, NIBRS data resources and more.

● NIJ CrimeSolutions - (Archived) registry of criminal justice programs and practices rated by evidence of effectiveness.
● National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD/ICPSR) - Searchable archive of criminal justice datasets for research and secondary analysis.
● FBI NIBRS User Manual (2025) - Official FBI reference for NIBRS data elements, offense codes, and reporting requirements.
● NIBRS Abridged Guide - Abridged documentation for NIBRS offense descriptions.
● NIBRS Offense Definitions - Complete documentation for NIBRS offense descriptions.
● FBI National Data Exchange (N-DEx) Policy and Operating Manual - Version 7 of the N-DEx manual.

OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)

Excellent OSINT resources for crime analysts.

● Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations - International standards for using OSINT in human rights and criminal investigations.
● Bellingcat's Online Open Source Investigation Toolkit - Regularly updated, community-maintained list of free OSINT tools and techniques.
● OSINT in the Age of Google - Excellent OSINT field guide from Wilson et al.

Training & Professional Development

Resources for building professional standards for both crime analysts and law enforcement executives.

● IADLEST - International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training - National standards body for law enforcement training and certification.
● Crime Analysis for Commanders Series - Video training series aimed at command staff.