Question

Discuss the problems encountered by intelligence units when gathering and disseminating information about organized crime.

Answer 1

• Peterson (1998) emphasized that law enforcement has not been successful in the implementation of intelligence and analysis techniques in combating organized crime.
• One of the main reasons is that analysts have fallen short in expressing the benefits of intelligence and analysis to managers in the unit. Second, managers have not been able to successfully exploit the applications of analysis because they have been reluctant to diverge from traditional investigative techniques. Another reason why law enforcement units are reluctant to utilize analysis function is because of the cost involved. The software programs required to perform these tasks may be too expensive for many units.
• Crime and intelligence analysis is a process that requires computer technology. many issues and concerns appear when information technology is need in criminal analysis.Several barriers are present in the use of technology as a crime analysis tool. These barriers include hardware and software costs, expertise, data acquisition costs, network costs, and data quality.
• Most agencies have been reluctant to use crime and intelligence analysis tools (Fahlman, 2001). As the amount of information increases, law enforcement must handle much more sophisticated
  information management systems and network technology. These systems cost more than personal computers. Particularly, huge database systems and their servers may be very expensive. This means that the costs of technology are still prohibitive.
• Sophisticated technologies require skilled personnel who are able to utilize sophisticated software programs. Unfortunately, the expense of training these persons is considerably high, and this has led to reluctance on the part of law enforcement to use technical tools. This point also makes law enforcement reluctant to handle analysis tools.
• Open sources and other useful sources including police and court records have increased the flow of information into the law enforcement environment. The issue is how the agencies select data relevant to the goals of the agency. Not all information will be valid to use, and the data must also be checked for reliability. If the information is not fully realized, is not precise, or is not gathered in a timely manner, the analyses are less valuable.
• As information technology develops, more and more information about individuals will be stored in police intelligence databases. Security becomes a serious issue at this point.
• When information is recorded in paper-based methods, possible access from outside may be restricted. Intelligence units do not disseminate personal information without having a reasonable demand. In case of digitally stored information, it may be easier to transfer digitalized information from one place to another. Because of this, it is imperative to have effective security measures in place to control this information. These controls include “need to know” principle, data security, and secure data transfers. Law enforcement officials must be aware of the possibility of unauthorized access to information.