The intelligence cycle

Question 1

The intelligence cycle:

Answer 1

Direction
Collection
Evaluation
Collation
Analysis
Responses
Dissemination
Review

Question 2

Direction:

Answer 2

A direction on what to collect against? Clear, concise and aligned to organisational strategies.

Question 3

Collection:

Answer 3

The directed, focused gathering of information to meet Intel requirements. Systematic, planned & coordinated collection maximises effectiveness. Must be ethical and align with legislation and policy.

Question 4

Evaluation

Answer 4

The process of assessing the data and information for reliability and credibility. Creates confidence in the information.

Question 5

Collation:

Answer 5

The process of receiving, logging, storing and cross referencing of information to allow easily retrieval and use. Collation can produce graphs, charts or spreadsheets.

Question 6

Analysis:

Answer 6

Converting raw information into intelligence products by reducing it into facts and inferences, combining with existing information to identify trends. The identification of the drivers of defined problems is the critical function of Analysis.

Question 7

Responses:

Answer 7

Are attempts to describe an action based solution to an identified problem following analysis. Broadly aimed to prevent and reduce crime.

Question 8

Dissemination:

Answer 8

The distribution of raw and finished information to decision-makers. To get information in whatever format deemed appropriate, to those who have a need and right to use it, in a timely to be useful.

Question 9

Review:

Answer 9

Examining intelligence processes and products to determine their effectiveness, and responses in terms of their effect on the criminal environment. (Challenging for continuous improvement).

Question 10

Scanning:

Answer 10

A constant process of identifying public concerns of reoccurring problems, focus on specific problems for analysis and identifying the consequences of specific problems. It can confirm or deny a problem exists, how it can be reported on, determine the frequency of it and allows for Intel prioritisation.

Question 11

Collections Management:

Answer 11

• Ensuring routine collections are sufficient to support strategic priorities.
• Managing specific collection requirements for particular intelligence products (tasking)

Question 12

3 strands of Collection management:

Answer 12

• Requirement strand: What do we need - Identify what needs to be answered and how information gaps are managed. (Collection requirements - identified, prioritised and agreed)
• Collections strand: How do we collect it - Managed by ICC who assigns responsibility. Not always FIO who collects information (dependant on resourcing, time frames & scope).
• Processing strand: Collate & Deliver - Evaluation, collation and delivery of the information to an analyst. Also ensures the requirements have been met.

Question 13

Common considerations:

Answer 13

• Need to prioritise collection requirements
• Identify appropriate SandA
• Determine if the requirements have been met (if not task further collections)

Question 14

Intelligence needs analysis:

Answer 14

Used to identify all information necessary to achieve the intelligence objective.

Question 15

2 types of Collections:

Answer 15

Routine:
• Collection requirements need to be considered, prioritised & tasked
• Linked to National, District & Area strategies targeting FORYA
• Daily monitoring of information flow from SandA

Tasked:
• Tasked collection to fill intelligence gaps
• Used to create products (knowledge, problem, subject)
• Typically a team based approach (FIO, ISO, Analyst, Supervisor)

Question 16

Inference Development Model:

Answer 16

Allows analysts to develop propositions (derived from indicators).
Indicators are raw facts / data or observations.
Premises are propositions which may suggest a variety of actions.

Question 17

4 ways an inference can be stated: (HEP-C)

Answer 17

• Hypothesis
• Estimations
• Predictions
• Conclusions