NCJ Number
236501
Date Published
March 2011
Length
130 pages
Annotation
This guide provides a general overview of the features, functions, and organization of Federal intelligence relevant to the work of first responders, followed by practical guidance on how to handle unclassified information, process security clearances, access intelligence community information, understand threat information, understand estimation language, and report suspicious activity.
Abstract
Intelligence is defined as information on "threats to the United States, its people, property, or interest, the development, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction, or any other matter bearing on United States national or homeland security." The five basic intelligence sources are described, followed by an outline of what intelligence can and cannot do. A description of the activities of the Intelligence Community (IC) notes that it consists of a coalition of 17 agencies and organizations within the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government that works both independently and collaboratively to gather intelligence. The activities of the IC are listed. An explanation of the "intelligence cycle" pertains to the process of developing raw information into finished intelligence for policymakers, military commanders, and other consumers to use in making decisions. The five categories of "finished" intelligence is presented. Intelligence products typically available to first responders are indicated, along with where first responders can obtain intelligence information with the proper clearance. A discussion of joint partnerships in the collection, analysis, and use of intelligence encompass Federal, State, local, and tribal governments. Instruction in how first responders should perform particular intelligence tasks is followed by a reference section that contains IC terminology, acronyms, and abbreviations.