Analytical Self-Paced Training

 

 

 Multi-Part Online Analytical Training Series

This free training series is designed for new and seasoned analysts to learn the key primary skills needed to practice effective and efficient analytical processes. This series explores the benefits of data-driven strategies, the process of connecting databases and analyzing in Microsoft Access®, applying statistical significance techniques in Microsoft Excel®, and developing key mapping and analytical skills in ArcGIS. 

Although each segment is a stand-alone "course," each builds off the subsequent segment. The training series can be found on the First Forward web page by going to First Forward and searching "Market Place" for all training or you can access each class by utilizing the links below:

Part One: Data Driven Strategy Basics

 Part Two:  DDACTS in Action

Part Three:  Connectivity Why Do I Need It?
Part Four: Helpful Queries, Reports, Macros Part Five: Creating Master Tables Part Six: Data Quality and Cleaning Tips
Part Seven:  Making Analytics Easier with Expressions Part Eight:  How to Identify Top Locations, Offenders, and More Part Nine: How to Create Rocking Reports and Automation Processes
Part Ten:  Z-Score and Statistical Significance Made Easy (Excel) Part Eleven:  Introduction to ArcGIS Pro for DDACTS Part Twelve:  Dots on the Map: Plotting and Querying Crash and Crime Data from a Variety of Data Sources
Part Thirteen:  Hot Spot Identification and Analysis    

 

Introduction:  Microsoft Access® and Excel® for Data-Driven Crime Analysis: A 5-Part Series

Introduction Video (3 min):

Welcome to our 5-part training series, developed to equip law enforcement professionals with innovative, data-driven tools to enhance public safety. This program, a collaboration between the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and IADLEST, now in its 10th year, provides free, nationally certified training and analytical support exclusively to Texas law enforcement agencies.

  Throughout this series, you will:

  • Gain hands-on experience with Microsoft Access® and Excel® for crime analysis.
  • Master essential skills, including queries, master tables, data cleaning, automation, and statistical techniques to identify trends and enhance decision-making.
  • Explore the SAFER model and holistic strategies to address crashes and broader public safety challenges.

Each session includes:

  • Video Libraries with optional practice exercises for deeper learning.
  • CHECK POINT questions to ensure understanding of key concepts.
  • Post-Tests with self-graded answers for skill reinforcement.
  • Surveys to provide feedback and help us continuously improve.

In addition to this training, IADLEST offers a variety of free resources to Texas law enforcement agencies, including:

  • In-person and virtual workshops tailored to agency needs.
  • Webinars on critical topics for professional development.
  • Literature and analytical tools to enhance data-driven operational policing.

These resources are 100% free to Texas law enforcement, reflecting our commitment to empowering agencies with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed, impactful decisions.

  This training is about more than tools—it’s about building smarter, data-driven approaches to create safer communities. We encourage you to explore these additional opportunities to strengthen your agency’s effectiveness and elevate public safety.

 

Skip to:

 

Part 1:  Data-Driven Strategy Basics and SAFER Model in Action

 

Presentation Video:

Resources:

Part 2:  Helpful Queries and Reports in Microsoft Access®

Presentation Video: 

 

Video Library:

  1. Import Excel into Access  (3 min) - Practice Data
  2. Changing Data Types (4 min) - Practice Data
  3. Manually Enter Data (5 min)
  4. Creating Simple Select Queries (5 min) - Practice Data
  5. Filtering Queries (5 min) - Practice Data
  6. Joining Tables (9 min) - Practice Data 1 - Practice Data 2
  7. Building Complex Queries (3 min) - Practice Data
  8. Report Wizard (8 min) - Practice Data
  9. Edit Reports in Design View (6 min)

Resources:

Part 3:  Building Master Tables and Data Quality Cleaning Tips

Presentation Video: 

 

Video Library:

  1. Make Tables and Append Queries (8 min) - Practice Data 1 - Practice Data 2 - Practice Data 3
  2. Import Excel into Access (3 min) - Practice Data
  3. How to Append Static Data (7 min) - Practice Data 1 - Practice Data 2 - Practice Data 3
  4. Manually Enter Data (5 min)
  5. Changing Data Types (4 min) - Practice Data
  6. Finding Dirty Data Using Excel (3 min) - Practice Data
  7. Finding Dirty Data Using Access (4 min) - Practice Data

Resources:

Part 4:  Advanced Expressions and Automation Processes

Presentation Video: 

 

Video Library:

  1. Criteria Operators (6 min)  - Practice Data
  2. Renaming Existing Fields (4 min)
  3. Date Functions (3 min) - Practice Data
  4. Concatenate Fields ( 6 min) - Practice Data
  5. Aggregate Queries (10 min) - Practice Data
  6. Crosstab Queries (4 min) - Practice Data
  7. Create 3D Reports (11 min) - Practice Data
  8. Creating Macros (5 min)

Resources:

Part 5:  Z-Scores, Statistical Significance in Excel®, And Integrating Excel® with Access®

Presentation Video: 

 

Video Library:

  1. Z-Score Calculations (9 min)  - Practice Data
  2. Import Excel into Access (3 min) - Practice Data
  3. Crosstab Queries (4 min) - Practice Data
  4. Export Data from Access (2 min)
  5. Conditional Formatting (5 min) - Practice Data

Resources: