Coon Rapids Police Celebrate National Crime Analyst Day by Honoring Trish Heitman

Coon Rapids Police Celebrate National Crime Analyst Day by Honoring Trish Heitman

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — On September 20, the Coon Rapids Police Department joined agencies across the country in celebrating National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day — a day set aside to recognize the unsung heroes who help solve crimes and keep neighborhoods safe.

The “Detectives Behind the Data”

Crime analysts aren’t usually the ones you see responding to 911 calls or testifying in court. Instead, they’re working quietly behind the scenes, combing through police reports, arrest records, and tips, looking for clues and connections.

Their work helps:

• Detectives link cases and build stronger prosecutions.
• Patrol officers know where extra presence might be needed.
• Departments spot long-term patterns and develop smarter safety strategies.

Think of crime analysts as detectives of the data — turning raw information into insights that protect the community.

Spotlight on Trish Heitman

This year, Coon Rapids PD shined the spotlight on their own Crime Analyst, Trish Heitman, describing her as an “essential part of investigations” and someone whose work supports the entire department.

But Heitman’s impact doesn’t stop in Coon Rapids. In February 2025, she was elected President of the Midwest Association of Crime and Intelligence Analysts (MACIA), a professional group serving Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She previously served on its board as Director of Outreach, and in 2024 was even nominated for Analyst of the Year.

Her leadership role highlights just how respected she is among her peers — and how valuable her skills are to the wider public safety community.

A Day to Say “Thank You”

National Crime and Intelligence Analyst Appreciation Day may not be as widely known as other observances, but for those who work in public safety, it’s a meaningful opportunity to pause and thank the professionals who connect the dots and make communities safer.

The Coon Rapids Police Department put it best: “Thank you, Trish — and all crime analysts — for what you do!”

MinneapoliMedia