Intelligence Driven Policework - How to Make it More than a Catchphrase

Over the past couple decades, I've seen a shift from more "old school" police tactics to a desire by upper management to utilize intelligence led AKA intelligence driven policework.

What this means from 1,000 feet up is often similar - using various types of intel to do the job better.

The way it is applied on the ground varies greatly.  How is intel being collected?  Once collected, how is it being used?  IS it being used?  Is it becoming stale through lack of use, then used later when no longer accurate?  Who is the intel available to, and do those officers and investigators know how to access it?

I spent several years as a Human Intelligence Collection (HUMINT) Team Leader in the military.  Many of the same principles apply, with similar but different goals.  

Take from my lessons learned on how to improve the intel collection and dissemination in your agency.  Transition from sub-par collection and disconnection to creating action (search warrants, arrest warrants, other valuable investigative steps).

Once the vision changes from upper management and middle management and officers buy-in, the whole culture of the agency is likely to evolve.  

Targeted enforcement on criminals > Random enforcement actions on everyone

Find the 10% doing 90% of the crime, and the game changes.

-LEO