Overseeing the management, development and collection of intelligence from various sources
Intelligence manager – a day in the life
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Case study
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Working day
I oversee the development and collection of intelligence from various sources. This means looking at the intelligence received over the previous 24 hours, then reviewing and assessing it to understand where it fits within our threat and risk principles.
I am also responsible for managing the intelligence that we receive. I review numerous intelligence items to ascertain that they are graded correctly and to ensure that the intelligence is stored and handled according to that assessment. This is especially important when dealing with intelligence from sensitive sources, where the mismanagement of information carries serious risk implications.
I am often called to advise and assist in the collection, use and management of intelligence by senior investigating officers (SIOs). I work alongside the SIO to manage the intelligence received during an active investigation and to assist in turning this intelligence into an evidential product that conforms to the handling codes assigned to the intelligence.
I also manage and process requests for information from other constabularies and external agencies, ensuring that threat, risk or harm issues are dealt with, and that any disclosure complies with national and force policies.
I work with the support of the detective sergeant to manage an effective and efficient information and intelligence support service within the National Intelligence Hub.
The role of intelligence manager is ideal for anyone who has strong problem-solving skills and can think laterally
Hours
I work Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm. However, I often work outside these core hours due to unexpected incidents or intelligence being received.
Other forces may operate different hours.
Location
I work in a number of different offices within the Force Intelligence Bureau.
Intelligence managers may work in a specific location in other forces.
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 an extremely interesting and rewarding area of policing. The role of intelligence manager is ideal for anyone who has strong problem-solving skills and can think laterally.
Dealing with intelligence is often about looking for a way to release pertinent information and ensuring that it cannot be traced back to a singular source.
Having a good working knowledge of intelligence grading and handling conditions is also key. You will often need to brief an SIO or senior colleagues
Next steps
- Read more about the intelligence career pathway
- Explore other career pathways
- Information on joining the police
