NCJ Number
165223
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1997) Pages: 46-48
Date Published
1997
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the mission, process, and structure of the FBI's Criminal Intelligence Program, as well as how State and local law enforcement agencies can participate in this program.
Abstract
Through successes in task force intelligence investigations of complex criminal enterprises, the FBI has established 14 multiagency Criminal Intelligence Squads nationwide. These squads are supported by a complex computer network that meets information-sharing requirements. Law enforcement agencies at the Federal, State, and local levels participate as full members on these joint investigative initiatives, and their representatives to these squads have direct access to FBI criminal investigative data bases through the intelligence program computer network. The mission in any intelligence initiative is to develop accurate, relevant, detailed, and timely intelligence that clearly identifies criminal organizations as well as the nature and dimension of the criminal activity. The intelligence product provides the basis for measured tactical and strategic investigative actions that exploit weaknesses in subject organizations. The intelligence process must include a substantial organizational intelligence base as well as the systematic collation and analysis of intelligence information from public and confidential data sources and informants. The FBI has established its Criminal Intelligence Program in the bureau's organizational hierarchy. In the Intelligence Section at FBI Headquarters, the investigative and analytical units support the Drug, Organized Crime, White collar Crime, and Violent Crime and Major Offenders' national programs. The Intelligence Section also supports the Criminal Intelligence Squads and Racketeering Enterprise Investigative initiatives in the field. The FBI looks forward to establishing standards in the intelligence process that will apply uniformly at all levels of law enforcement. The FBI invites local and State law enforcement agencies to participate in FBI Criminal Intelligence Squads where they are operating.