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Criminal Intelligence and the National Intelligence Model (From Handbook of Criminal Investigation, P 199-225, 2007, Tim Newburn, Tom Williamson, and Alan Wright, eds. -- See NCJ-220829)

NCJ Number
220833
Author(s)
Tim John; Mike Maguire
Date Published
2007
Length
27 pages
Annotation
After a historical review of the use of intelligence within British policing, this chapter examines reasons for its rapid expansion near the end of the 20th century, followed by a discussion of the tactical and strategic uses of criminal intelligence in modern policing, with attention to the British National Intelligence Model.
Abstract
A concerted effort to develop modern intelligence systems began in England and Wales in the 1970s and 1980s. It was fueled by advances in computer-based storage and analysis of information and developed in tandem with proactive policing, i.e., efforts to prevent, detect, and intervene in criminal activities before significant victimization occurs. Intelligence-led, proactive policing emerged due to the perceived ineffectiveness of reactive policing, the recognized limitations of evidence based on interviews and confessions, advances in technology, a focus on serious and organized crime, and pressures for a more efficient and effective use of police resources. In describing intelligence procedures, the chapter outlines the intelligence cycle (collection, evaluation, collation, analysis, and dissemination), followed by the profiling of Great Britain's National Intelligence Model (NIM). The NIM was piloted in England and Wales in 2000 by the National Criminal Intelligence Services. The NIM was intended by its creators to standardize a wide range of police business. The NIM identifies the core business of policing as managing crime, managing criminals, managing localized disorder, managing enforcement and community issues, and reducing opportunities for crime. The NIM draws on a range of intelligence sources, including "community" and "contextual" intelligence, as well as intelligence on crime or criminals. The chapter describes the core elements of the NIM, followed by a discussion of recent initiatives toward the next phase of NIM development, which will encompass police cooperation with key partner agencies, such as business groups and other community organizations. 3 figures and 67 references