NCJ Number
215249
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 33 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 10,12-14,16,19
Date Published
July 2006
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examines the nature of intelligence, how it differs from raw information, intelligence sharing, and the role of intelligence in the work of local police agencies.
Abstract
"Intelligence," as defined by the National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan, is "information that has been analyzed to determine its meaning and relevance." "Information," on the other hand, consists of unevaluated, purported facts from a variety of known and unknown sources that have not been examined for reliability or interpreted for significance and relevance. Thus, "intelligence" is information that has been analyzed by an appropriate trained intelligence unit to test its reliability, significance, and relevance for action. It may be shared with other selected entities for feedback and re-evaluation. Intelligence-led policing involves the collection and analysis of information obtained by frontline officers working in the community. After being processed by trained intelligence analysts, the intelligence becomes the basis of police decisionmaking in the allocation of resources and the design of strategies and tactics. Although not every small law enforcement agency will have a trained intelligence unit, every agency should have a person designated as an intelligence liaison or contact. This person should understand the rules associated with intelligence. He/she receives processed intelligence from other agencies and shares information collected by officers in his/her department with appropriate intelligence units at State or Federal levels for processing. As each law enforcement employee fulfills his/her role in the collection and processing of information to produce intelligence that guides action, then public safety is enhanced.