A key senior role in the analysis side of the intelligence job family
Head of intelligence analysis – a day in the life
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Case study
4 mins read
Working day
As with so many roles in policing, there is no such thing as a typical day. However, the strategic nature of this role means that it involves a good deal of strategic planning, both for the intelligence unit and the analysis function within it.
I am responsible for ensuring that the force’s analytical function can provide clear and consistent products that will allow for informed decision making at all levels of the force. This means that I have to develop and coordinate the analytical processes, and develop and implement the policies and frameworks that underpin – and help us meet – this aim.
I meet with partner organisations, both regionally and nationally, to build effective collaborative arrangements that allow us to improve the force’s ability to protect the public.
A key element of the role is making sure that we have enough resources deployed in the best way to meet all the demands placed on the analytic function. This means working with other force leaders to ensure that we can achieve this in the best possible way.
Additionally, as it is important to make sure that all members of the team are performing to the highest standard, I plan and arrange continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
A good way to get involved in intelligence is by gathering and submitting intelligence, and by being able to demonstrate a good understanding of the National Intelligence Model and information handling codes
Hours
Within my force, I can work flexibly from Monday to Friday between 7am and 7pm. There are no shifts and I am not on call.
This may not be the case in all forces.
Location
This is an office-based role, but I travel to meetings on a regular basis, wherever they may be.
Training
When you take up a post within intelligence, either in policing or in one of our law enforcement intelligence professionalisation programme (IPP) partner agencies, the emphasis is on developing your existing skills and abilities. This will help ensure you become a professional, fully competent intelligence support officer with transferable skills.
Training is varied according to individual and organisational needs. It may include classroom-based learning, e-learning, shadowing, on-the-job learning, practical experience, self-study and self-reflection.
You will have the opportunity to undertake the IPP, which will give you professional recognition of your competence. All individuals are required to commit to continuing professional development to ensure that they remain up to date in their role.
Intelligence professionalisation programme (IPP)
The IPP is a specialised development programme for those working specifically within intelligence, either in policing or one of our law enforcement IPP partner agencies.
IPP is a development programme that is between 12 and 18 months long. It consists of a national learning curriculum and a set of minimum standards of competence (assessment criteria).
Individuals are assessed against these criteria by an appointed IPP assessor. Once the individual’s IPP assessor has agreed that the individual has met all of the relevant standards, they will be awarded a certificate of competence.
This certificate is transferable to another IPP organisation and is valid for three years. At present, you cannot undertake the IPP unless you are employed in an intelligence function in either policing or in a partner IPP organisation. However, this is not a barrier to employment.
If you do not already hold the IPP certificate, you will be given the opportunity to complete the programme upon employment.
The IPP is the nationally recognised certificate of competence across all of the IPP partner agencies. Completing the IPP is a mandatory requirement for some organisations.
Advice
Intelligence is a fantastic role to work in and there is scope to develop in many different areas. It would suit individuals who have an investigative mindset, and those who are proactive and computer literate.
A good way to get involved in intelligence is by gathering and submitting intelligence, and by being able to demonstrate a good understanding of the National Intelligence Model and information handling codes. It also helps to have good influencing and negotiation skills.
Next steps
- Read more about the intelligence career pathway
- Explore other career pathways
- Information on joining the police
