Intelligence Officer

This profile has recently been updated to include the CVF 2024 and core skills, and the new version can be found on College Learn by entering the Profile title in the search function. Please note this profile is out of date and is in the process of being reviewed.

The Intelligence Officer develops and evaluates intelligence, making an assessment of the threat, risk, harm, vulnerabilities and opportunities which exist and identifying gaps. They manage the dissemination of the assessment or intelligence product, support reactive, proactive and/or crimes in action and provide advice on appropriate tactical options to support policing priorities.

• Receive and assess information on the intelligence system and disseminate to relevant parties, in line with confidentiality, sensitivity and duty of care policies and relevant legislation to ensure intelligence is processed correctly.
• Gather, research and evaluate information (in accordance with a defined and agreed collection plan where applicable) to identify gaps, and patterns, and inform (de)briefing, tasking and RIPA authorities (where appropriate and in accordance to principles of legality, necessity and proportionality).
• Prepare and deliver intelligence products to clearly and accurately inform decision making, and providing advice on tactical options.
• Establish and maintain networks with internal and/or external partners at all levels of seniority to ensure appropriate information sharing in support of a timely response and to achieve shared objectives.
• Adhere to all legal frameworks, key working principles, policies and guidance relevant to the role to ensure information and intelligence is handled and processed legally.
• Maintain awareness of innovation within intelligence to ensure implementation of latest techniques and tactics, best practice, and information relevant to the role.

Prior Education and Experience:

• College of Policing Intelligence Professionalisation Programme (IPP) Qualification (to complete within 12 months of appointment), and continued IPP compliance.
• Experience of researching information from a variety of sources.
• Experience of interrogating, maintaining and utilising data on a variety of computerised systems, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience of preparing detailed reports and presenting information in a variety of formats.

Skills:

• Ability to write detailed reports and other documents.
• Able to communicate with a range of stakeholders to provide information and intelligence and ensure understanding.
• Skilled in using specialised and standard software related to own area of work to extract, analyse and report on data.
• Able to identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work, including developing own knowledge to increase effectiveness.
• Able to break down a problem into component parts and determine appropriate action.
• Good team working skills demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.
• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.

CPD is ongoing; it enables the individual, in collaboration with their organisation, to maintain, develop and gain recognition for existing and new professional skills, knowledge and competence. It is undertaken to ensure we continue to provide high quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. More information on how to plan CPD can be found here.

Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of a Professional Development Review (PDR). PDR is a tool to support police officers and staff to take ownership of their professional development and plan career progression. More information on how to use a PDR for development can be found here.

This section has three parts:

1. annual learning/mandatory training/accreditation requirements
2. signposting to suggested activities and resources for the individual to maintain and enhance competence and professional development in the role, and
3. any ongoing professional registration and/or licensing requirements of the role)

Annual learning/accreditation requirements
(Outlines mandatory/annual learning or requirements to maintain accreditation in the role. Please note any exemption is at Chief Constable discretion, in line with local force policy.)
There is a minimum CPD requirement for this role which maintains professional competency and IPP certification.

Full details for the requirements can be found on College Learn in the IPP CPD framework document for the Intelligence Support Officer or by speaking to your local IPP lead.

Professional development
In order to keep up to date with new approaches to evidence based policing, and new technological approaches within the intelligence field, the following should be considered:
Keep up to date with relevant national guidance:

• Secondment to IPP partner agencies
• Undertaking one of the specialist IPP endorsements.
• Completion of the mandatory CPD requirements also offers opportunities for developing further skills that can support further progression and development.

IPP Accreditation and Registration

Assessed competence against the relevant professional standards for this function is required to achieve IPP accreditation and registration. Maintenance of this accreditation requires the demonstration of continued competence against professional standards, as well as evidence of CPD, in line with the College’s Model.

• Intelligence Analyst
• Intelligence Researcher
• Intelligence Support Officer