The function of the Plantation Police Department Crime Analysis Unit is to detect crime patterns, series and trends in a timely manner, that will assist the operational and administrative personnel in planning directed patrols to suppress criminal activity. Crime Analysis also acts as a "tool" for the Investigations Division, by aiding the investigative process and increasing apprehensions and the clearances of cases. This position acts as the "liaison" between the different divisions/units of the police department.

Research and Planning functions include the following: developing strategic plans for the different entities of the police department, addressing goals and needs of specialized units, providing research and statistics for departmental use on a daily basis, assisting with various programs throughout the department, conducting surveys throughout the communities, directing the design of research activities including data collection, data coding, data entry and data analysis activities.