Bill Blackwood LEMIT
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis (CICA)
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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
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.
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
Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis (CICA) is grateful to Congressman Pete Sessions for his support of CICA and the federal funding granted to us to support the growth and expansion of its operations. This federal investment has allowed us to provide courses at no tuition cost to individuals employed by law enforcement and public safety organizations since Fall 2024.
This training is currently supported through Grant No. 15PBJA-24-GG-00242-BRND, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.
CICA has requested an extension of the grant funding to continue supporting the program through the Fall 2026 semester. If the extension is approved, tuition will continue to be waived for eligible participants. Approval of the extension, however, is not guaranteed.
If the grant extension is not approved, the certificate program will revert to a fee-based format. The cost will be $1,200 for the complete four-course certificate program or $400 per individual course.
CICA expects to receive a decision regarding the grant extension before the first scheduled class day. Registered participants will be notified promptly once a final determination is received. If tuition becomes necessary, participants will be given the opportunity to withdraw from the cohort before the program begins without incurring a course fee.
Regardless of the grant decision, participants will remain responsible for all travel-related expenses, including transportation, lodging, and meals.
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
Nyssa Varner, MA
Center for Intelligence and Crime Analysis
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Phone: (936)294-3191
cica@shsu.edu
Upcoming Events
* Additional fees may apply
| Status | Date | Title | Location | Registration | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPEN | Sep 08 - 11, 2026 | Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Foundations of Crime Analysis | Huntsville, TX | Register Online | No Charge |
| OPEN | Sep 29 - Oct 02, 2026 | Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Databases and Analysis | Huntsville, TX | See Program | No Charge |
| OPEN | Nov 03 - 06, 2026 | Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Social Network Analysis | Huntsville, TX | See Program | No Charge |
| OPEN | Dec 07 - 10, 2026 | Crime Analysis Certificate Program (CAC) - Crime and Problem Mapping | Huntsville, TX | See Program | No Charge |
* Additional fees may apply
Schedule for the Week:
For the Crime Analyis Certificate Program, 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.
