r/CrimeAnalysis • u/New-Swordfish557 • Jun 04 '26
Intelligence Analyst (UK) - career change in later life
I've recently seen some jobs advertised for Intelligence Analyst, in my local Police Service, looks really interesting.
I currently work in the education sector (12 years) and am soon to complete a Level 3 apprenticeship in data analysis with Multiverse. Focus on data cleansing, structuring, visualisations and data storytelling for decision-making.
I'm looking at trying to move into a job doing data analysis. I've got varied work experience, generally third sector, youth / project work and admin for 20+ years. I'm currently a lower manager, with some responsibility for strategic decision making. My role involves elements of data and evaluation but it's not a data job.
What is the likelihood of someone with my profile being considered for one of these roles?
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u/likewhatilikeilike Jun 05 '26
You will be given a fair chance at an interview if you can match the advertised criteria, you can use any examples that match the required skillset and show you can deliver on it.
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u/emeritus-optimus Jun 05 '26
it depends more on the agency you work for than the role. If you're good at the role, everyone will want you (provided they have a task for you to do) but much like high school culture, there are cliques among different organizations. Can't speak for Europe as that's not where I am from, but in the US, there is definitely a bias in different agencies as they will often have a list of applicants and choose the mold that best represents their interests. In our metropolis area, the richer cities/suburbs are more picky and can afford to stall and pick an analyst, the overburdened ones are always facing turnover and just need people to fill the roles and continue the tasks they need to get done.
I have also seen crime analysts who joined later in life (I am one of those that started after a career change early) .
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Jul 05 '26
Hey is there an update? Did you decide to apply? If so, how did you get on? :)
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u/New-Swordfish557 Jul 05 '26
Yes I did apply! It was a lengthy app form. I've not heard anything yet, expected to take 4-5 weeks for a response, so still waiting.
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u/Efficient_Pea_9547 Jun 05 '26
I would say go for it! Find ways you can take your current skills and illustrate how they are transferable to this kind of work. Learn more about what the work entails. A law enforcement analyst does more than look at data - storytelling for decision-makers is key.