Today policing has gone a notch higher with the incorporation of data driven approaches in society. Of these, Intelligence-Led Policing or ILP has become one of the cornerstones of policing, using achievable intelligence to minimize criminal activity and increase public security. Information and intelligence in this context are used interchangeably but what makes one different from the other? These differences make it crucial to understand how raw data turns into usable strategic action plans via ILP.
What is Information?
Knowledge is the basis for the decision making process within the police structure and involves raw information gleaned from different sources. It can be unsystematic, unsubstantiated, or partial, thus undergoing further breakdown in order to be useful.
Sources of Information in Policing:
Witness statements
Surveillance footage
Social media activity
Police reports
Crime scene evidence
Community tip-offs
Public records
OSINT which stands for Open-source intelligence
Novelty such as traffic cameras and license plate readers
Sensor and IoT data
Characteristics of Information:
Raw and unprocessed
Abundant but often fragmented
Any information which has not been verified, or may not be coming from a trustworthy source.
Context-dependent
It may not provide information which can be viewed as meaningful unless it has to be analyzed.
What is intelligence?
Policed intelligence therefore is defined as information that has been analyzed, synthesized and may be in a form that can be implemented on the field. It informs policies, policies and actions in crime prevention and incidents likely to occur.
Types of Intelligence in Policing:
Tactical intelligence: Affirms the police operations in the near future
Strategic intelligence: Determines general strategies for planning and making policies
Operational intelligence: Aids in planning that covers certain operations and mission.
Criminal intelligence: Concerned with analysis of crime and criminals
Characteristics of Intelligence:
Processed and analyzed
Verified and reliable
Actionable and insightful
It is therefore important to place this into a general trends perspective.
Supports decision making
Information vs. Intelligence in Policing: Key Differences Between Information and Intelligence
Thus, although information and intelligence are close in meaning as concepts, there are essential differences between them in terms of what they are and what might be done with them. Understanding of these distinctions enables law enforcement agencies to fully maximize their potential.
Nature: Information is vegetables; intelligence is food processed by the human body.
Purpose: Information gives input; intelligence gives output.
Reliability: Information may not undergo a thorough check; intelligence is checked.
Actionability: Knowledge is not power; knowledge empowers.
Scope: Knowledge is discrete; knowledge is wise and integrated.
How ‘Information’ Becomes ‘Intelligence’?
Information to intelligence entails a process of gathering, sorting, analyzing and sharing. This type of change is known as Intelligence Led Policing.
The Process of Transforming Information into Intelligence:
Collection: They get information from various and reliable sources.
Validation: Ascertaining the validity and reliability of the given information
Analysis: Situating and analysing data in order to notice patterns
Integration: Integrating research findings as knowledge that can be applied
Dissemination: Increase awareness of diverse groups and therefore share information with those who are involved in its operations.
Application: Tailoring the activity with the help of intelligence for the management of strategies and operations.
Related Blog: Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP): Strategies for Effective Implementation
Challenges in Using Information and Intelligence in Policing
However, there are certain difficulties in using information and intelligence as a lever. Such barriers have to be fixed in order to fully capture the value of ILP.
Data Overload: Coordinating and orchestrating enormous in streams of data
Privacy Concerns: Intelligence vs. civil liberties: the fight for the right approach
Accuracy: The first goal for the credibility of the information collected is to make it reliable.
Technological Barriers: Maintaining the speed with rapidly growing tools and threats
FAQs About Information vs. Intelligence in Policing
It is important to learn about the difference between information and intelligence in detail. Here are answers to common questions:
Q1. It means to know the reasons as to why intelligence is relevant in today’s police force?
Intelligence helps to make the right decisions in advance by receiving useful information about resources and criminals.
Q2. Does this article seek to explain how information is gathered in policing?
This entails use of witnesses, surveillance systems, cyberspace, community participation and other reliable means of acquiring information.
Q3. How does a police force establish the authenticity of information?
Polices substantiate this information by relying on cross checking, corroboration and general research that is strictly analytical.
Q4. In what manner do intelligence finance or resource assist?
They give an indication of those areas and actions that present risks, and this helps in proper deployment of people and other resources.
Q5. Can intelligence really distinguish between a criminal and a law abiding citizen?
Police intelligence focuses on identification of patterns likely to occur and dangers which are likely to be perpetrated thus facilitate the prevention of the same.
Conclusion
This is not some kind of a trivial distinction for information and intelligence are diametrically different and are at the heart of most policing strategies. Policing based on this differentiation involves the recognition by the law enforcement body as a proactive and effective means of crime fighting as offered by Intelligence-Led Policing.
Unlock the Full Potential of Intelligence-Led Policing
In order to get the best out of ILP, there is a need to appreciate and incorporate the intelligence cycle. Further resources, tools, and training opportunities for the effective use of this revolutionary approach are discovered.
