The origins of intelligence

Abstract

The article focuses on the issues of reforming law enforcement through the introduction of a new model of Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP). The key emphasis is on the content and characteristics of analytical intelligence itself. The author examines the historical origins of intelligence, both as a term and as an activity in various social spheres. The author emphasizes the historical regularity of the use of intelligence in law enforcement. In order to reveal the content, the author analyzes the peculiarities of the formation of intelligence in France and the United Kingdom. The author points out the historicity of justifying the value of intelligence by verifying both its reliability and the integrity of the source. It is noted that intelligence reports were actively collected and classified using a complex system of filing cabinets and intelligence files. This work was supported by a special group of intelligence officers and facilitated the systematic collation, evaluation and analysis of data. At the same time, intelligence-led policing and investigations were potentially hampered and, to some extent, halted by cultural protectionism and the lack of sufficiently developed databases. Gradually, the term «intelligence-led policing» (ILP) has expanded to include its modern application – the use of analytics in general police management (not just specialized units), including aspects of community crime prevention, public order and public safety. The processes of ILP development in the UK and the USA are described. The content of the main activities and key elements of ILP that require implementation and compliance with certain requirements is revealed. Attention is focused on the defined mission of the intelligence function in the activities of law enforcement agencies, intelligence standards and requirements for the professionalism of analysts.