This manual on the analysis of intelligence collected by local law enforcement agencies is intended for use by intelligence officers and analysts, crime analysts who might need to use intelligence information, and police managers who supervise crime and intelligence analysts.
This manual focuses on the analysis of data, i.e., making sense of the variety of information law enforcement agencies collect on criminal activities and criminal groups. The first part of the manual addresses "Intelligence Analysis for Solving Problems." It describes 30 tasks that an intelligence analyst must master in order to solve crime-control problems. The tasks are divided into six categories: "Understand the Role of Intelligence Analysis;" "Know the Fundamentals of Criminal Groups;" "Assemble the Key Information," "Produce Intelligence;" "Create Effective Actions;" and "Never Compromise Ethics and Integrity." The second part of the manual presents case studies of criminal groups and "problem gatherings." The case studies on criminal groups pertain to retail drug dealers, terrorists, White supremacists, animal rights extremists, internet pedophile rings, graffiti crews, outlaw motorcycle gangs, street gangs, auto-accident fraud rings, organized shoplifters, organized car thieves, and clandestine methamphetamine labs. The case studies of "problem gatherings" involve "cruising," illegal street racing, spring breaks, political demonstrations, and student party riots. Guidance is provided on how to read the case studies.