Knowledge management challenges in the development of intelligence-led policing

Old Knowledge and New Knowledge

Jerry Ratcliffe's work on intelligence led policing is insightful and based on solid research. In this article, he focuses on "old knowledge" (intelligence based on support of criminal investigations) and "new knowledge" (intelligence arising from crime analysis through use of digitized data) and how the use and understanding of these different knowledge perspectives clash. Like Ratcliffe, I believe that integrating the knowledge types is necessary to have a truly intelligence led policing system. Like Ratcliffe, I don't know if this will ever be possible. I believe the integration of knowledge is highly desirable to create a safer world.

"In this context, I therefore define the new knowledge as that which relates to information about crime events, patterns and themes that run through what can initially appear to be random events, and is knowledge that is more relevant to resource management and operational priorities than case support and individual investigations. The skills and types of analyses that can explore these broader patterns are very different to the skills necessary to collect the traditional wisdom. Crime-centric knowledge requires computer dexterity, analytical ability, database management and reporting skills, and can be conducted largely in an office environment. In many respects, this all runs as an anathema to the traditional, offender-centric knowledge that recognised skill in manipulating and managing informants, and respected knowledge based on a long history working in one area and getting to know the characters and offenders in that geographical region." page 9

"Articulating support for intelligence sharing has become the Zeitgeist of our times, however articulation of intelligence sharing principles and active participation and sharing are not the same thing. Intelligence-led policing is attempting to synchronise two different types of knowledge (old and new) that are, on the surface, fairly mismatched, and is attempting to do so in order to create intelligence products that go beyond the existing arrest mentality and into preventative areas that are incompatible with the subculture of current policing. The challenges are significant." page 16

Cite as Ratcliffe, J.H. (in press) 'Knowledge management challenges in the development of intelligence-led policing', in T. Williamson (Ed) The Handbook of Knowledge-Based Policing: Current Conceptions and Future Directions (Chichester: John Wiley and Sons).