Tactical Intelligence Analysis (TIAC)

Purpose of the course

Intelligence assists police decision-making at both the tactical and strategic levels. While each has a different purpose, they complement each other. Strategic analysis is a management tool that provides an overview of the scope of criminal activity. Tactical intelligence, on the other hand, is an investigative tool which provides support to investigators or operational units during the course of an investigation.

During this course, participants will learn the analytical skills and techniques needed to transform raw data into intelligence which can be used at all levels of the decision-making process. Intelligence assists:

• Specialised investigative units to plan and direct investigations;
• Departments to link events and individuals, and to assess and project crime trends. This will support operational and administrative decisions; and
• Regional and local organisations to identify, link and project trends of regional, inter-provincial, national and international scope.

Intelligence analysis is the result of a structured process, the intelligence process, conducted by three key players: the agent, the analyst and the supervisor. Initially, this course will provide participants with an overview of the full process and the roles involved. Following this, the course will focus on the analysis and dissemination components of the intelligence process and the role of the analyst. Participants will learn the skills and techniques of tactical intelligence analysis. They will learn the basic elements of inductive logic and the main techniques in intelligence analysis and dissemination. This will include information management techniques, including those of computer-assisted analysis.

Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• identify the components and roles involved in the intelligence process;
• comprehend the basic elements of inductive logic in intelligence analysis;
• write an inference (the theory) and assign a probability;
• evaluate raw information;
• construct a link chart from a set of information;
• construct a time line, a theme line and a commodity flow chart from a set of information;
• present an oral intelligence briefing;
• prepare a frequency chart to handle intelligence analysis problems;
• plot a scatter diagram resulting from data correlation analysis of two sets of variables;
• develop a net worth statement from commonly used sources;
• present an oral and written intelligence briefing;
• recognise the possibilities of computer-assisted analysis tools;
• create a link chart, a time line and a theme line with a computer graphical software (CGS) application package;
• import data from other software applications to create chart items with a CGS application package;
• use analytical and presentation tools with a CGS application package;
• develop a PowerPoint presentation for an intelligence briefing;
• present their analytical results using all electronic tools learned during this course.

Participant selection criteria

To attend the Tactical Intelligence Analysis Course, one must be a full time analyst or have been identified to become one in the near future by the intelligence unit manager.

Notes:

• Participants will be exposed to computer software applications commonly used by intelligence analysts during the second week of the course.
• Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft PowerPoint and Excel (version 97 and above) and Analyst Notebook (version 6), while not a pre-requisite, are recommended for the completion of this course.

Participant assessment

During this course, participants will have numerous opportunities to apply the material learned. They will be able to practice before being evaluated. The assessment will ensure a sound understanding and prepare participants to act as analysts in the field. Participant assessment during this course will consist of the following breakdown.

• performance assessment consisting of 3 group assignments — 60%
• individual written assessment — 20%
• individual participation — 20%

The minimum passing mark is 75%.

CPC Academic Policy: In the event that a student does not meet the requirements for successful course completion, procedures will be followed as outlined in the Canadian Police College Academic Policy.

Duration of course: ten working days

Location: The course is offered at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa.

Number of Participants: A minimum of 12 participants is required to run this course. The maximum is 20.

Language of instruction: The course is offered in English and French.