Committee approves reclassification to create supervisor of crime analysts in police department

The Finance Committee on Sept. 8 recommended approval of a reclassification request in the police department to retitle a vacant senior crime analyst position as supervisor of crime analysts. City administrative staff and the police chief told alderpersons the change reflects supervisory responsibilities and the growing technical needs of the department’s real-time crime center.

Rebecca Romero, deputy chief administrative officer, said the change follows the retirement of the longtime senior crime analyst and a review of the position to align duties with current needs. The chief explained the department currently has two crime analysts in the real-time crime center who monitor cameras, collect digital evidence and provide tactical intelligence for detectives and patrol staff; the new supervisory title would add responsibility for training, quality control and overseeing workflow.

The chief told the committee the reclassification is budget neutral — it does not require additional appropriations in the current fiscal year — and that the department intends to post, test and hire under civil service rules once the budgeted position is retitled. Committee members asked about speed of hiring and whether additional personnel or temporary appointments would be necessary; staff said the department could seek temporary fill pending civil-service testing to accelerate onboarding if needed.

The committee moved the reclassification favorably to the full Board of Alders.