Understanding Police Intelligence Work

Product Description Although police intelligence is becoming increasingly reliant on technology, it remains a human activity. This is the first textbook to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date account of police intelligence work based on current research, and to assess how intelligence may be used wisely and ethically to influence policing policy and practice. After explaining the basic tenets of intelligence, the author, who has extensive experience in the field, critically examines the development of intelligence structures and governance of contemporary intelligence collection. He goes on to assess the threats and opportunities to policing in the digital age, including the widespread use of social media and the emergence of ‘Big Data’. Part of a new series for students and practitioners designed to reflect the importance of incorporating ‘evidence based policing’ within the curriculum and practice, this much-needed textbook covers not only the technical aspects of intelligence work but also encourages reflexivity in practice. Review "An excellent guide to the frameworks, processes, opportunities and challenges relating to police intelligence practice ... comprehensive, insightful, engagingly written and the best introduction to the subject that I know of." Professor Mark Phythian, University of Leicester, UK"Provides a detailed, sophisticated and in many ways critical appraisal of police intelligence work that should be of interest to both practitioners and academics." - Criminal Law and Justice Books"An accessible introduction to the myriad of intelligence approaches and constructs that tackles the current use of intelligence and explores its future potential. Essential reading for those studying and working in the field." Dr Nina Cope, former Deputy Director of Intelligence, Metropolitan Police, and academic researcher Review "An insightful look behind the curtain of contemporary British intelligence practice, covering a myriad of topics relevant to the modern intelligence professional. Frameworks, practices, successes and failures are all discussed in a readable and accessible style." Professor Jerry Ratcliffe, Temple University, USA About the Author Former detective and intelligence officer, Adrian James is a Senior Lecturer in criminal investigation. Adrian maintains strong links with the police service and with intelligence practitioners through his ongoing research and advisory work.