Criminal Intelligence Analyst
What is the work like?
Criminal intelligence analysts investigate crime data and other information sources to identify patterns of criminal activity. Police forces and security agencies use this information to:
- understand how patterns of criminal activity are linked
- target individuals and their networks
- tackle trends in particular crimes, for example fraud, drug smuggling or vehicle theft
- plan initiatives to reduce future offending.
Your duties as a criminal intelligence analyst could include:
- collecting information from local, national and international computer systems
- updating intelligence records databases
- analysing data using specialist software
- building up a picture of crime ‘hotspots’ in an area (problem profiling)
- tracking the behaviour of suspect individuals or groups (targeted profiling)
- using intelligence data to help managers with resource planning (tactical assessment)
- reviewing the effectiveness of the analysis and recommending changes where necessary
- acting as a witness during court proceedings.
As a senior analyst, you may be involved in providing specialist advice and assessing trends to help managers decide on future priorities (strategic assessment).
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would need to check with the police force or government department you are applying to for their exact entry requirements, as they would vary depending on the job. Employers would usually ask for some GCSEs (A-C), such as maths and English. Some may ask for one or two A levels, or a background in data and information work.
You would also need experience of using common office computer programs like databases, spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software, and you would need to be familiar with using the internet. Your local college should be able to give you details about qualifications covering these, for example the ECDL or CLAiT awards.
For junior posts, you do not necessarily need experience in the specialist software used by intelligence analysts, as training would normally be provided. For higher-grade jobs, this is likely to be essential. See the training and development section below for more details.
You would improve your employment prospects if you have some understanding of the National Intelligence Model (NIM), which is used by law enforcement organisations, and relevant legislation like the Data Protection Act.
You would need Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance, although a previous conviction would not automatically exclude you from working as an analyst.
You are likely to need a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally receive training from your employer when you start work as a criminal intelligence analyst.
Your training would cover areas, such as:
- analysis methods
- legislation
- the NIM
- internet investigations.
You would also be given training in specialist software packages used by your employer. Common examples include MapInfo, i2 iBase and Data Miner. You would use these to record and map incidents for use in analysis and reports.
As your career develops, you would receive ongoing training in areas such as giving evidence in court, strategic analysis and managing resources.
You can find more information about intelligence analysis training on the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) website.
You could also work towards the NVQ in Intelligence Analysis at Level 3, which is supported by Skills for Justice.
Where can I go for more information?
Centre CourtAtlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- A junior analyst can earn around £16,000 a year.
- Experienced analysts can earn between £18,000 and £26,000 a year.
- Senior analysts or team leaders can earn in excess of £30,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week and be based in an office, working at a computer workstation. You may have to travel to meetings or to attend court hearings.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent research and analytical skills
- creative problem solving skills
- a sharp eye for detail and a good memory
- excellent communication and presentation skills
- the ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities
- excellent planning and organisational skills
- the ability to foster good working relationships with other departments and agencies
- good teamworking skills
- the ability to work to deadlines
- an understanding of data security and confidentiality issues
- good timekeeping and willingness to work flexibly.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work as an intelligence analyst with the police, government departments like Revenue & Customs, and the security services.
Most employers offer structured career progression routes to higher grades within the job.
You could also apply to transfer into related areas of work within your organisation. For example, if you work as an analyst in a police force, you could apply for a place on their police officer training programme.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in a new window)
National Intelligence Model
G4S Police Recruit
Police Could You?
Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
All Police Jobs
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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