Teaching case: Uncovering crime trends in Chicago using SQL analytics

Abstract

This case study introduces undergraduate or graduate students to data-driven crime analysis using SQL queries on real-world data from the Chicago Police Department. Learners assume the role of public data analysts tasked with identifying patterns and advising the city’s public safety committee on trends in arrests, crime types, and community risk zones. This case enables students to develop competencies in data filtering, grouping, aggregation, selection, and joins using SQL, a foundational skill for analytics professionals.