Intelligence-Led Policing: A Method Of Crime Control

Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) is a method of crime control. It involves the collection of data on “crime and disorder”, (Newburn, T Criminology 2017 p650) which is then analysed. From the knowledge based information, decisions are made, on the best way of tackling crime and prevention, especially with limited resources. ILP fundamental purpose is to focus on known criminals and infiltrate their criminal activities. The police were under pressure to become efficient in the battle against crime, so reinventing themselves and becoming in eyes of the public “value for money” (Radcliffe, J p 26) ILP consists of 4 stages, targeting, gathering, analysis and dissemination. The use of informers in the ILP is fundamental. The audit commission report 1993 main purpose was to analysis/regulate effective policing.

What is ILP?

The ILP consists of 4 stages.

Firstly, targeting is the beginning of the intel process. Information is gathered on known criminals, by monitoring. The police being proactive rather than reactive are using limited resources wisely, by targeting known criminals on the databases. ILP is impacting on a small number of offenders who commit a disproportionate amount of crime, and not wasting resources on offenders who are not on the database, and you have small chance of catching. This can be seen unfair as unknown offenders are getting away with it. Through ILP the level of crime is effected in a logic and statistical manner and is seen, cost

effective.
Targeting issues can be that you are disproportionately targeting certain groups of people(stereotyping), even though there may be a legitimate reason for targeting that certain area, i.e. a drugs ring in that area, but a class of individuals may feel overpoliced and not see that it is the criminals being targeted. Especially if it goes wrong by raiding the wrong address. Targeting should be pertinent and sensitive.
Gathering is the collection of information, which can build up intelligence. The 3 sources are, databases, open sources, i.e. HMRC and covert sources (technically or human). Firstly, databases are used to check a variety of information, this could be an individual’s past convictions on the police national computer, or intelligence held by Europol, local or national police. Gathering information can help police understand if the suspect is purchasing goods legitimately or illegitimately, by knowing if employed or on benefits, or if a suspect is dealing drugs and live in authority accommodation, the police can not only arrest the suspect but can also evict from their accommodation. Analysing the background from open sources the police have the upper hand when interviewing with this extra knowledge. The police can request credit card information on where the suspect is spending money and how much and see if this incriminates the suspect. The use of customs and excise can see if a suspect has travelled and can ask the offender for what reason. The convert sources are through tapping of emails, mobile phones or bugging of premises to gain intelligence or through human resources which involves the use of informers or physical surveillance.
Analysis is the collection of ‘data on criminals, incidents and trends’ (Interpol.int, 2017) which is then evaluated to form a ‘connection between different crimes in different places’ (Interpol.int, 2017). Analysis is an important part of the ILP process and is pertinently to get it right. The wrong information (wrong name/address) can give wrong intelligence and false intelligence mapping. The raw data can become hard data i.e.