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Research Methods (Online)

The process of analyzing crime and the incorporation of crime analysis units into the main-stream of police operations is still a relatively new phenomenon. As such, few training programs are designed to acquaint crime analysts and their supervisors with the tasks they need to perform when assigned to these units. Fewer still provide any instruction that actually shows them how to perform these tasks. Whether or not your title is “crime analyst,” if all or any part of your job involves analyzing crime, forecasting future criminal occurrences, identifying suspects, tracking crime patterns and series, monitoring crime trends, preparing statistical crime reports managing the analysis function or using crime data to support field operations or community policing programs, then this Crime Analysis Applications Training course is for you!

The Chief wants to measure citizen satisfaction with the police. The Sheriff wants to determine the fear of crime in the community. The Mayor wants to know if the time and money devoted to your agency’s crime suppression program has had any measurable impact on the town’s crime rate, and the City Manager wants your department to prepare a formal proposal to obtain state or federal grant funds.

How will these and similar tasks be accomplished? Through the examination of quantitative and qualitative information, through the preparation, dissemination, and evaluation of surveys, and through the use of scientific methods of inquiry that are designed to separate fact from fiction and truth from mere perception. In short, these tasks will be accomplished by research!

Given the current economic climate, we no longer have the luxury of taking a “shotgun approach” to the delivery of police services. Today’s police administrators must know they are not only doing the right things, but that they are doing things right. That is, they must KNOW that the programs they implement are indeed effective in reducing crime, they must KNOW that they are addressing actual—as opposed to simply perceived—causes of crime, and they must KNOW that they are allocating resources in such a way as to maximize their return on investment.

As such, the need for the use of research methodology to provide agency administrators with this knowledge has never been higher and the demand for people who can do it has never been greater. Regardless of your role within your organization, your participation in the Research Methods in Criminal Justice course will provide you with knowledge you can use to heighten the effectiveness and efficiency of your agency. Upon completion, you will have the tools to design and implement scholarly research projects, the skills to acquire and analyze data, and the confidence to employ scientific principles to justify your conclusions. Armed with the results of your work, you will now have the ability to provide your fellow administrators, officers, and investigators with objective information they can use to address a wide variety of law enforcement concerns.

This is an 8-week (40-hour) course that provides you with techniques you can use immediately to solve the real-world problems that daily confront crime and intelligence analysts. Since research involves the assembling and examining of many facts, the process and results of research, as presented in this course, can be used to mobilize people to meet new challenges, enhance policies, and to gain a decided advantage in the fight against crime. Further, this course provides useful and exciting insights into not only the traditional crime problems facing agencies today, but into the use of a variety of strategies to deal with new or emerging issues as well.

This online course provides you with the flexibility to complete its requirements from anywhere at anytime. Presented in a comfortable environment that encourages both individualized and group instruction, this course blends effective learning strategies with the flexibility needed by the busy criminal justice professional. An internet connection is all that is required to enjoy the easy-to-use online classroom that presents the course in an engaging and meaningful format. You can complete the program from home, work, or any place convenient for you and your schedule.

This course will allow you to learn—and demonstrate knowledge of—research methods within the criminal justice field. Focus is placed on becoming acquainted with the range and scope of tools available to the criminal justice researcher. We will demystify the essential professional skills involving:

  • Pure Versus Applied Research
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research
  • Researchese: The Language of Research
  • Concepts, Operationalization, and Variables
  • Research Problem Formulation
  • Research Ethics and Professionalism
  • The Researcher Versus Law Enforcement Role
  • Avoiding Ethical Problems and Harming Respondents
  • The Experimental Model and Research Design
  • Rival Causal Factors: Internal and External
  • The Classic Experimental Design
  • Probability and NonProbability Samples
  • Mail and Internet Surveys
  • Properly Creating and Delivering Surveys
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Interviews
  • Telephone Surveys and Interviews
  • Participant Observation and Case Studies
  • Unobtrusive Measures and Secondary Analysis
  • Validity, Reliability, and Triangulated Strategies
  • Use of Thurstone Scales, Likert Scales, and Guttman Scales
  • Indexing, Levels of Measurement, and Statistics
  • Data Analysis, Table Reading, and Graphic Presentations
  • Sources of Useful Law Enforcement Information
  • How to Conduct Productive Internet Searches
  • How to Interpret the Research of Others
  • How to Design and Implement a Research Project
  • How to Prepare the Final Written Research Report
  • And Much, Much, More!

YOU ARE:

  • A crime or intelligence analyst
  • A supervisor analytical personnel or analytical functions
  • A police planner (sworn or civilian)
  • A patrol officer, community policing officer, crime prevention officer, intelligence officer, investigator, or a patrol or investigative supervisor that acquires, uses, or presents data/information as a part of your job
  • In the law enforcement profession and would benefit from the knowledge gained in this course

Because this is an online course, it is offered continuously throughout the year. You may enroll in the course at any time and will gain immediate access once you do. Starting from your enrollment date, you will have 8 weeks of access to complete the course. Most students can complete the course in 3-4 weeks and then enjoy their remaining access time communicating with other students and exploring the many resources that become available with your enrollment in the course.

Remember, this is an online course that provides you with the flexibility to complete its requirements from anywhere, and at anytime. Sign up as soon as you can and then complete the course on your own schedule and at your own pace! Here are some benefits of an online course:

No travel required!
Log on anytime and from anywhere in the world
Take the class on YOUR schedule
Quick and convenient signup
No travel costs
Satisfy a certification requirement
Enroll individually or with a group

“I went against all my inner instincts and took the Research Methods In Criminal Justice and Criminology online course through the Alpha Group Center. Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of the Alpha Group classes that I have attended, Criminal Intelligence Analysis, Criminal Investigative Analysis, Advanced Criminal Investigative Analysis, Crime Analysis Applications, but I was apprehensive of taking an on-line class, especially when I’ve heard that Research Methods can be a bear.
I have to tell you that I enjoyed it thoroughly. I finished the course in just a few short weeks and learned a great deal about conducting research with some of the problems that we have in the area. Problem oriented policing is a big concept in Crime Analysis and doing research on problem areas is a great part of it.The instructor, Tanveer Makhani, was very helpful with the class and made it a much easier learning environment.I encourage everyone who needs this class for Certification to definitely consider taking it. Four other analysts from our agency, Pinellas County Sheriffs Office, have also completed this course.”

ROBIN WILFONGGeographic Profiling Analyst - Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

“Just a quick note to let you know the Alpha Group has outdone itself with the inception of the Research Methods in Criminal Justice online course. I recently completed the course and must say it was the most interesting course taken since attending the previous analysis courses offered by your group.Initially, I was hesitant to make a commitment to the course as I had never participated in an online program before, and the 6-week time frame seemed daunting; but I can now confidently state there is sufficient time allotted to complete the lessons. The format was exceptionally user-friendly and designed in a way that even inexperienced computer users could successfully complete the course.I anticipated the course material would be somewhat “dry,” however was amazed at how interesting the topics were and how motivating the quiz format was.Last, but definitely not least, was the unlimited assistance provided by your facilitator, Tanveer Makhani. Tanveer was always accessible, prompt-to-reply, extremely personable and highly knowledgeable. Like you, Steve, Tanveer has succeeded in leaving a memorable impression as an instructor, one whom I would not hesitate to contact in the future.In closing, I look forward to applying my newfound skills within my position as Crime Analyst. This course, in addition to the other Alpha Group courses, has been a tremendous asset that has enhanced my proficiency and competence as a Crime Analyst. I anxiously await any future courses the AGC decides to offer.”

DIANE WILKINSCrime Analyst - Greater Sudbury Police Service

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Meet the Instructor

Tanveer Makhani specializes in adult learning and cognitive psychology. He is a professor, policy advisor, learning strategist, and consultant. Tanveer is internationally recognized for his expertise in creating public and private training programs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TANVEER

Courses

CRIME
ANALYSIS

Analyze crime data and forecast future criminal events

OnlineIn-Person

INVESTIGATIVE ANALYSIS

Classify human behavior to unravel criminal masterminds

OnlineIn-Person

INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYSIS

Connect the dots to uncover hidden criminal activity

OnlineIn-Person

RESEARCH METHODS

Reduce crime rates and increase community satisfaction

Online

FAQs

1

Q: What are criminal research methods?

A: Criminal research methods are the techniques and procedures used to conduct research in various areas of criminal justice, such as policing, corrections, and criminology.
2

Q: What are the requirements to become a criminal justice researcher?

A: The requirements to become a criminal justice researcher vary by organization and job position. Generally, education in a related field such as criminology, criminal justice, or sociology is required, and experience in research or a related field is preferred.
3

Q: What topics are covered in a criminal research methods career training course?

A: Criminal research methods career training courses cover a range of topics, including research design, data collection methods, statistical analysis, data management, and reporting, with a specific focus on criminal justice research.
4

Q: What kind of skills can I expect to gain from a criminal research methods career training course?

A: Criminal research methods career training courses help individuals develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, research design, and communication, with a specific focus on applying these skills to criminal justice research.
5

Q: What is the duration of a criminal research methods career training course?

A: The duration of a criminal research methods career training course varies depending on the program. Some programs may be completed in a few months, while others may take a year or more to complete.
6

Q: What is the cost of a criminal research methods career training course?

A: The cost of a criminal research methods career training course varies depending on the program and institution offering the course. Some programs may be offered for free, while others may cost several thousand dollars.
7

Q: Are criminal research methods career training courses available online?

A: Yes, criminal research methods career training courses are available online through various institutions and organizations, such as Alpha Group Center.
8

Q: What kind of job opportunities are available after completing a criminal research methods career training course?

A: Individuals who complete a criminal research methods career training course may qualify for positions such as criminal justice researcher, data analyst, program evaluator, or policy analyst.
9

Q: Is there any certification or accreditation for criminal research methods career training courses?

Yes, there are certifications available for criminal justice researchers, such as the Certified Law Enforcement Planner certification offered by the International Association of Law Enforcement Planners (IALEP)
10

Q: What is the difference between a criminal research methods career training course and a criminal justice graduate degree program?

A: A criminal research methods career training course focuses specifically on developing skills and knowledge related to criminal justice research methods, while a criminal justice graduate degree program covers a broader range of topics related to criminal justice, such as theory, policy, and administration.

Testimonials

Just a quick note to let you know the Alpha Group has outdone itself with the inception of the Research Methods in Criminal Justice online course. I recently completed the course and must say it was the most interesting course taken since attending the previous analysis courses offered by your group. Initially, I was hesitant to make a commitment to the course as I had never participated in an online program before, and the 6-week time frame seemed daunting; but I can now confidently state there is sufficient time allotted to complete the lessons. The format was exceptionally user-friendly and designed in a way that even inexperienced computer users could successfully complete the course. I anticipated the course material would be somewhat “dry,” however was amazed at how interesting the topics were and how motivating the quiz format was.

Last, but definitely not least, was the unlimited assistance provided by your facilitator, Tanveer Makhani. Tanveer was always accessible, prompt-to-reply, extremely personable and highly knowledgeable. Like you, Steve, Tanveer has succeeded in leaving a memorable impression as an instructor, one whom I would not hesitate to contact in the future.

In closing, I look forward to applying my newfound skills within my position as Crime Analyst. This course, in addition to the other Alpha Group courses, has been a tremendous asset that has enhanced my proficiency and competence as a Crime Analyst. I anxiously await any future courses the AGC decides to offer.

I went against all my inner instincts and took the Research Methods In Criminal Justice and Criminology online course through the Alpha Group Center. Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed all of the Alpha Group classes that I have attended, Criminal Intelligence Analysis, Criminal Investigative Analysis, Advanced Criminal Investigative Analysis, Crime Analysis Applications, but I was apprehensive of taking an on-line class, especially when I’ve heard that Research Methods can be a bear.

I have to tell you that I enjoyed it thoroughly. I finished the course in just a few short weeks and learned a great deal about conducting research with some of the problems that we have in the area. Problem oriented policing is a big concept in Crime Analysis and doing research on problem areas is a great part of it.

The instructor, Tanveer Makhani, was very helpful with the class and made it a much easier learning environment.

I encourage everyone who needs this class for Certification to definitely consider taking it. Four other analysts from our agency, Pinellas County Sheriffs Office, have also completed this course.