Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC)

The Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis (CICA) was established in January 2023 and is housed within the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT) at Sam Houston State University. CICA’s mission is to assist public safety agencies by enhancing their analytical capabilities through professional development, education, and research.

The public and private sectors operate in an environment fraught with threats and opportunities. The interconnected nature of American society increases the severity of manmade and natural threats facing public and private organizations. Building organizational resiliency and improving performance is predicated on an understanding of external and internal risk factors.

CICA’s goal is to enhance public safety through expanded and improved data analytics.

CAC Program Courses

    The CAC program is a four-course series that prepares both new and experienced crime analysts to excel in their professional roles through 128 hours of instruction from expert practitioners and academics across the crime analysis field. Courses are encouraged to be completed in order.

    1. Foundations of Crime Analysis
      This introductory course teaches the different types of crime and problem analysis and the basics of data analysis, including evidence-based practices and how to use communication strategies, research methods, and data quality assessments to improve crime analysis.
    2. Databases and Analysis
      This course teaches database fundamentals, data visualization basics, and how to use tools like Microsoft Office, Excel Power Query, and SQL to organize data for analysis.
    3. Social Network Analysis
      This lab-based course teaches social network analysis theory and methods, and how to communicate results through applied course projects using Gephi software.
    4. Crime and Problem Mapping
      This course teaches the purpose of spatial analysis, how to import and geocode data, and how to communicate results using a step-by-step guidebook for ArcGIS Pro software.

Who Should Attend / Admission Requirements

    This program is designed for new and/or experienced crime analysts and open only to those currently employed at a law enforcement or public safety agency. Proof of agency travel approval is required for admission.

Course Hours

Participants will receive 32 hours of TCOLE 6035 credit per class attended, for a total of 128 credit hours upon completion of the program.

Course Cost / Fee Policy

Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) is provided at no tuition cost for the Spring/Summer 2026 semester. Participants will need to pay for their travel-related expenses, such as meals, lodging, and travel.

This training is being funded through grant 15PBJA-24-GG-00242-BRND from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.

In Fall 2024, we were fortunate to receive federal funding to support the growth and expansion of our operation. We are grateful to Congressman Pete Sessions for his support of CICA and for this federal funding. Through this generous support, we can deliver courses without cost to individuals currently employed by law enforcement and public safety organizations.

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Registration Process

Registration is 100% online. Please visit the Register Online link located on the Upcoming Events table below or the LEMIT Calendar page to register. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the e-mail address indicated on the form within one week of registration.

Cancellation / No-Show Policy

If your plans change and you need to cancel, please contact us immediately to avoid cancellation or “no show” fees. The department in which you registered under will be billed a $325 fee for failure to cancel 14 days prior to the course start date. It is the responsibility of the participant to cancel reservations made with the host hotel.

Course Contact

Jackie Swan, Coordinator - CICA
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Phone: (936)294-4793
cica@shsu.edu

Upcoming Events

* Additional fees may apply

StatusDateTitleLocationRegistrationFee
OPENApr 21 - 24, 2026Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Foundations of Crime AnalysisHuntsville, TXComing SoonNo Charge
OPENMay 12 - 15, 2026Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Databases and AnalysisHuntsville, TXSee ProgramNo Charge
OPENJun 09 - 12, 2026Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Social Network AnalysisHuntsville, TXSee ProgramNo Charge
OPENJul 07 - 10, 2026Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Crime and Problem MappingHuntsville, TXSee ProgramNo Charge

* Additional fees may apply

Schedule for the Week:
Each class begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; Friday class begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends following capstone presentations. The program breaks for lunch around 11:30 each day (lunch is not provided).

Dress for the Week:
Business casual is the dress for the week. Clothing should be professional, and no caps/hats or shorts are permitted. It is always recommended to bring a light jacket in case the training room is cold.

Firearms:
If you choose to wear your duty weapon you may do so in full uniform or in plain clothes with your badge fully displayed. Individuals who are 21 years of age and who currently possess a handgun license from the State of Texas or an approved reciprocating state may legally carry a concealed handgun on or about their person. Handguns may be carried on campus, except at collegiate and UIL athletic events, health and counseling centers, and other specified locations on campus. Signs will clearly identify prohibited sites around campus.

Tobacco Products:
In order to promote a healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing work and educational environment, Sam Houston State University endorses a smoke free and tobacco free environment. Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) is not permitted on campus grounds. Electronic cigarettes/vaping products are also prohibited.

LEMIT Building and Parking:

The Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas is located at 1600 Bobby K. Marks Dr., Huntsville, Texas, at the corner of Bobby K. Marks and Bearkat Boulevard on the campus of Sam Houston State University. It also is located right next door to the University Hotel.

  • ALL vehicles must be registered to park on the SHSU campus. This includes marked agency vehicles.
  • Prior to your class, you will receive information on how to register your vehicle and where to park.
  • For visitors and guests, there are pay-by-hour spaces along Bobby K. Marks Street and Bearkat Boulevard; however, these are managed through the City of Huntsville system and are not part of the University permits. Follow instructions listed on street signs for payment options and be sure to select "Huntsville" when asked to select a location. For more information on the City of Huntsville system, visit Huntsville Paid Parking.
  • Parking is also available for visitors in the Sam Houston Parking Garage, located at 1730 Avenue I, within walking distance to LEMIT. The parking garage contains approximately 250 hourly use parking spaces. Visitors should not park in the parking spaces that are numbered; the numbered spaces are reserved for Garage Permit Holders only. For directions to the SHSU Parking Garage, please click here.