CAR Program Application

Opportunity: The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) Crime Analyst in Residence (CAR) Program enables law enforcement agencies around the country to work with onsite embedded crime analysts, participate in remote technical assistance, and receive resources to enhance analytical capacity and capability. This program aims to enhance law enforcement’s use of data analysis and analytics in the management of law enforcement operations and practices by integrating tailored crime and data analysis practices, products, tools, and information to aid in violent and property crime reduction efforts.

CNA Corporation, the national training and technical assistance (TTA) provider selected by BJA, will serve as the lead provider for the CAR Program. The CAR Program Team will work closely with up to 20 recipient agencies, providing them direct access to a cadre of subject matter experts (SMEs). Selected agencies participating in the CAR Program can anticipate receiving tailored assistance in developing crime analysis capacity. This capacity can in turn help agencies solve cases, identify crime patterns, develop, or improve problem-solving approaches, and implement evidence-based or informed crime-reduction strategies.

To participate in the CAR Program, agencies must commit to engage with the program’s SMEs and embedded analysts for at least four months. Selected agencies will be expected to collaborate in an initial assessment of their crime analysis capabilities upon acceptance into the CAR Program. In addition, CAR Program SMEs will assess each agency’s data systems, such as their computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management system (RMS), as well as other available sources of data to be used in crime analysis. An embedded senior crime analyst will provide dedicated in-person or remote assistance (or a hybrid option of both) to each agency. The selected agencies will work with the CAR Program Team to customize a strategic plan to best fit their jurisdiction. While onsite, the embedded analyst, as well as additional SMEs as needed, will work directly with the department to help implement recommendations resulting from the initial capacity assessment.

Eligibility: This application is open to interested jurisdictions with:

1. A signed Statement of Interestacknowledging senior executive (e.g., police chief or sheriff) support to establish or enhance crime analysis capacity and capability
2. Persistently high or precipitous increases in crime, including violent or non-violent crime
3. Willingness to participate in a data analysis and systems capacity assessment
4. A clear commitment to meet regularly with BJA and the CAR Project Team as determined to provide feedback and evaluations of the CAR Program

Eligible departments should complete the Application for Embedded Crime Analyst Support through our website (insert link).

Selection Process: This selection process is competitive. BJA and the CAR Program Team will select agencies using quantitative and qualitative criteria.

In the selection of agencies, consideration may be given to ensure that agencies of differing sizes, capacities, and geographic distribution are included in the CAR Program.

Thank you for expressing interest in this opportunity. BJA and the CAR Program Team expect to notify applicants of our decision within two weeks of submission. 

Should you have any questions about this process, please email the CAR Program Team.