PRIVATE - ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP IN INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS TRAINING: THE SOUTH AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

I so agree with Dalene Duvanage's view:

"Seeing intelligence analysis as a broader decision support function, rather than a narrow secret state function, opens the possibility that it can be taught, applied and investigated in all areas where sense has to be made of a myriad conflicting signals. There is a dire need for people all over the world, especially those that work in critical areas, to know how to deal with information, analyse it, synthesise, interpret and then present it so that better informed decisions can be made in the shortest time frame possible."

Read more at this link.

Iowa’s intelligence fusion center ‘connects the dots’

This news article features Iowa's fusion center, which is truly one of the best in this country.

Two Research Jobs in Washington

These jobs may be of interest to analysts out there looking for a change!One position is with the Police Foundation; one position is with The Police Executive Research Forum. See details below.

Mid-level Research Associate, Police Foundation, Washington, DC

All ranks and specialties considered. Experience in a research environment preferred. Demonstrated track record of acquiring and/or managing projects, superior writing ability, ability to work well in a team-oriented environment, and interest in policing sought for mid-level full-time position. PhD in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, psychology, or closely related field with at least 3-5 years professional experience. Position is based in Washington, DC. Grant/project related travel anticipated to be 20%. Salary negotiable. Excellent benefits package including pension contribution, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.

Submit CV with cover letter to:

Karen L. Amendola, PhD
Chief Operating Officer
Division of Research, Evaluation, and Professional Services
POLICE FOUNDATION
1201 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
kamendola@policefoundation.org
www.policefoundation.org

Application Close Date: 8/15/2008


Senior Associate, Management Services, PERF, Washington, DC

Senior Associate (Law Enforcement)�The Police Executive Research Forum seeks a self-directed law enforcement professional with experience working in a progressive law enforcement agency to fill the position of Senior Associate. The successful candidate will be a key member of a diverse team with responsibility for conducting management studies of law enforcement agencies, writing grant proposals, and securing project funding. Preference will be given to individuals with strong writing and word processing skills, law enforcement management experience, an advanced degree, and diverse law enforcement experience. The candidate should be available for frequent travel. Salary will be in the range of $80-100K, commensurate with experience.

PERF offers excellent benefits interesting, ever-changing work and bright, hard-working, entertaining colleagues. PERF is an equal opportunity employer.

We will start reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept and review applications until position is filled.

Send letter of interest and resume to:

PERF
Attn: Elizabeth Sanberg
1120 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20036
Email: esanberg@policeforum.org

A City’s Police Force Now Doubts Terror Focus

This is a provocative article worth reading.

County, Arizona State jointly creating center to analyze local crime trends

County, Arizona State jointly creating center to analyze local crime trends

Crime Pattern ID: Open Air Drug Markets

Pattern: Open Air Drug Markets

Victims: crime against state, addicts, juveniles, neighborhood

Perpetrators: low-level drug dealers, may be connected to gangs and/or organized crime

Locations: intersections, corners and streets in urban areas, vacant houses

Times: vary by drugs - heroin more in am, crack in pm (in some areas of country)

Approach Methods: "consumers" know market times, drive to areas to buy drugs, often come from suburbs into city to pick up the drugs

Weapons: dealers often are armed or have guns stashed nearby

Tools: scales, baggies, other wrapping, drug cutting materials and tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: drug trafficking routes bring street level drugs to low-level dealers from a variety of sources depending on drug and location

Stolen Goods: open air drug markets are associated with thefts of drugs and drug money, "carjackings" which involve "victims" trading use of their vehicle for drugs and then vehicle is not returned

Method: street level dealers obtain drugs to sell from a higher level of drug distributors which they may or may not be involved with

Motive: profit, street dealers may also have addiction problem

Query Terms: query drug calls/complaints along with drug charges, drug names

Suggestions: use problem oriented policing techniques to study markets and develop/assess strategies to reduce drug markets and their impact

Resources:

COPS Problem-Specific Guide Drug Dealing in Open-Air Markets

Open-Air Drug Dealing in Cincinnati, Ohio: Executive Summary and Final Recommendations

Choosing the best hypotheses

Choosing the best hypotheses is from a Blog for Decision Makers and looks like a good resource for analysts who want to improve their thinking skills and understanding of the decision-maker and the process of making decisions.

Crime Pattern ID: Street Prostitution

Pattern: Street Prostitution 

Victims: crime against state, juveniles, drug addicts, johns, society, neighborhood 

Perpetrators: prostitutes and their pimps 

Locations:run down neighborhoods, neighborhoods that attract unattached males, areas with traffic patterns conducive to street prostitution business, near hotels and convention centers, industrial areas (see problem guide below in resource section) 

Times: may peak at certain times (factory shifts end, bars close, etc.)but can occur any time of day 

Approach Methods: vary, may be blatant, may be subtle 

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: street prostitution may occur based on transportation routes, highway exits, truck stops, etc - consider when studying problem 

 

Methods: prostitutes solicit johns on the street, may be on decline and have STD, may be addicts, may be abused by pimp and/or johns (violence), may have sex openly thus affecting neighborhood quality of life, may draw other crime to area (robbery, rape) 

Motives: profit, need for drugs, power

Query Terms: prostitute, john, call girl, solicit, sexual act, the code/penal laws which classifies prostitution violations in your jurisdiction 

Suggestions: street prostitution is often considered a quality of life issue and is best addresses in problem analysis for problem solving policing to reduce the problem, analyze in this manner, you may use call data to not complaints buy citizens combined with arrest data - note that this will still not give you enough data so work with officers to assess problem areas, track repeat offenders 

Resources:

COPS Problem-Specific Guide Street Prostitution 2nd Edition 

An Empirical Analysis of Street-Level Prostitution 

Street Prostitution

New study on graffiti, crime correlation

A Metro prof and his students aim to discover whether graffiti and crime correlate in Denver.

National Drug Intelligence Center Publications

See the most recent National Drug Intelligence Center Publications at this link.

Crime Analyst - City of Campbell River

This job in British Columbia sounds like someone's dream! "Enrich your lifestyle working in Campbell River - the “eco-adventure” center for North Vancouver Island. Features include spectacular scenery, wildlife, world class kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, mountain climbing, golf, and fishing. Campbell River also offers a thriving and critically acclaimed arts and cultural community."

Crime Analysis Unit Developer Kit

It would be interesting to know how many of you have used resources from the Crime Analysis Unit Developer Kit and, if so, what you thought of them...

The Art of Observation

This article, The Art of Observation, was brought to my attention by Frank Marsh of the NDIC. It is a must-read in my opinion, as an example of thinking outside the box, imagination, using multidisciplinary approaches to improve one's work, and innovation.

Crime Pattern ID: Theft of Recreational Vehicles

Pattern: Theft of Recreational Vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, trailers, watercraft, etc)

Victims:owners of such vehicles

Perpetrators:crime of opportunity at times, theft rings sometimes

Locations/Times/Entry Methods/Tools/Vehicles and Transportation Routes: varies

Stolen Goods: recreational vehicles

Method: usually taken from garages/storage areas

Motive: profit, less often for vehicle to use

Query Terms: atv, all terrain vehicle, ohv, off highway vehicles, dirt bike, RV, motor home, camper, motorcycle, snowmobile, jet ski, boat, canoe, kayak, airplane, plane, aircraft, glider, brand names of these vehicles, trailer 

Suggestions: track all these crimes to find patterns/series, since this may be a cross-jurisdictional issue, communicate with other LE agencies in your region, look for theft rings, know who your previous offenders are for this type of crime

Resources:

Crime Free RV Parks

Recreational and Motor Vehicle Use in Desert Areas

Crime Pattern ID: Theft from Churches

Pattern: Theft from Churches 

Victims: churches and their members

Perpetrators: often local thieves, sometimes professionals

Locations: outside of church in the case of stealing gutters, roofing, etc., inside of church in the case of stealing art, valuables, sound system equipment, unattended purses

Times: when church is unattended or valuables are left unattended

Entry/Approach Methods and Tools: varies depending on crime

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may use trucks, vans to remove large items, may be on foot for smaller items

Stolen Goods: metals, collectibles, art, sound system equipment/musical instruments, personal belongings

Method: suspects may case church to find what it is they want to steal

Motive: profit - sometimes very high profit, sometimes minor, as in an addict stealing purses

Query Terms: sound system, amplifier, microphone, copper, chalice, antique, art, roof, gutter, lead, flashing, musical instruments

Suggestions: track these crimes to uncover patterns, series, know where all your churches are, track offenders who have committed crimes of this type in the past

Resources:

PROTECTING AGAINST THEFT IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR CHURCH

Deterring theft and vandalism

Crime Prevention for Churches

Crime Pattern ID: Construction Site Thefts and Vandalism

Pattern: Construction Site Thefts and Vandalism

Victims: builders, renovators, heavy equipment owners, home owners, businesses

Perpetrators: sometimes crimes of opportunity, sometimes local theft rings, sometimes organized crime, addicts, juveniles, repeat offenders

Locations: construction sites

Times: most often after work day ends and on weekends

Entry/Approach Methods: unsecured sites most vulnerable, lack of security adds to risk

Tools: often need no tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: varies

Stolen Goods: tools most common, any building materials, metal, appliances, equipment

Method: varies - vandalism may be purposeful by juveniles and unrelated to theft attempts, theft methods vary - read resources below for more information

Motive: profit - it's estimated that construction theft in the US = 1 Billion $$

Query Terms: construction, site, building, tools, crane, bulldozer, metal, copper, coils, pallet, appliances, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, furnace, hot water tank

Suggestions: track all thefts of these types to find patterns and series - patterns in what is stolen, pattern in victims (certain companies not securing sites), known offenders - may repeat these crimes

Resources:

Reducing Theft at Construction Sites: A Lesson from a Problem-Oriented Project

Theft of Construction Plant and Equipment

Controlling Theft and Vandalism at Construction Sites

Crime Pattern ID: Police Impersonation

Pattern: Police Impersonation

Victims: anyone

Perpetrators: criminals who impersonate police to gain access to victims and/or goods

Locations/Times: anywhere, anytime

Entry/Approach Methods: uses false/imitation police equipment/behavior to approach victim

Weapons: may have weapons

Tools: fake badge, fake or stolen uniform, fake decals, fake car lights

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: can be police-like vehicle, suspect may pull people over on highway using imitation of police behavior/equipment

Stolen Goods: varies, sometimes nothing is stolen

Method: suspect pretends to be an officer and may have fake identifiers and equipment, usually one suspect, may be multiple suspects in more violent/profitable schemes

Motive: police wannabes, persons using ruse to commit serious crimes and/or minor crimes, possible crimes include theft, rape, assault, kidnapping

Query Terms: officer, badge, impersonate, fake, false, pretend

Suggestions: persons impersonating officers may repeat this behavior, track every instance and look for serial patterns, track who has a history of this crime in your jurisdiction and their MOs

Resources:

Police impersonation (Wikipedia)

Beware of Con Artists Impersonating Police - AARP

Tips for Protecting You from Law Enforcement Impersonators

Crime Pattern ID: Pickpocketing

 

 Video from YouTube: Bob Arno, world's fastest-fingered pickpocket

Pattern: Pickpocketing

Victims: persons in crowded areas/heavily trafficked areas , unsuspecting persons, tourists

Perpetrators: usually involves skill perpetrator, in urban and tourist areas may be organized ring 

Locations: streets, public transportation, tourist areas

Times: any time

Entry/Approach Methods: skilled pickpocket sometimes approaches without appearing to interact with victim and disappears quickly, sometimes bumps victim, some use distraction with/without another person stealing wallet/valuables

Stolen Goods: wallet, cash, credit cards, jewelry, other valuables

Method: many methods including sleight of hand, speed, misdirection, feigned providing or requiring assistance, may happen in crowded area where body contact would not be unusual and so goes unnoticed, may be professionals

Motive: quick cash, profit

Query Terms: pocket, picked, pickpocket, wallet, bump, distract, press, reach

Suggestions: track all pickpocketing in your jurisdiction, know who your chronic offenders are and educate officers and community about them, develop prevention awareness products for community

Resources:

Pickpocketing (Wikipedia)

Pocketology 101 (How Pickpockets Work)

Theft and Pickpocket Prevention

Hot Wheels: Do You Know Where Your Car Is?

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has links to the top ten vehicle types stolen in each US state at its website. Its 2007 Hot Wheels report was just released.

Putting the brain back into intelligence

Putting the brain back into intelligence is an article that focuses on national security intelligence but definitely applies to crime and intelligence analysis in policing and is worth reading.

Springfield Police Crime Prevention Tips Index

Springfield Police Crime Prevention Tips Index is a useful resource I found this morning...

Crime Pattern ID: Purse Snatching

Pattern: Purse Snatching (robbery)

Victims: primarily females of any age

Perpetrators: mostly males but sometimes females, often lone criminals but also work in groups

Locations: primarily streets, sometimes in other public places 

Times: any time, most often when victim is alone without other observers nearby

Approach Methods: may come from behind, pay use weapon, may knock victim to ground

Weapons: may use a weapon or threat of weapon

Tools: may cut purse straps

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may target victims waiting at bus stops, train stations, on routes to bank or shopping

Stolen Goods: purse, contents of wallet, cash, credit cards

Method: a crime of opportunity, serial purse snatchers may use same MO

Motive: quick cash/profit, sometimes to feed drug habit

Query Terms: purse, bag, knapsack, handbag, strap

Suggestions: track all incidents of purse snatching robberies as these tend to be serial crimes, track all persons arrested for these crimes in case a series emerges where they are the perpetrators

Resources:

Purse-Snatching Prevention

HOW TO GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS 

Scots crime rate falls 6 per cent

This news article identifies crime analysis as an asset in crime reduction.

Crime Pattern ID: Shootings

Pattern: Shootings (intentional)

Victims: individuals who are shot at by persons guns, may be hit and injured or killed, may not be injured yet these crimes without injury should be tracked systematically as well

Perpetrators: gangs, acquaintances, sometimes random, sometimes innocent victim in the way of intended target

Locations: urban areas more of a problem

Times: varies, tends to occur at night

Entry/Approach Methods: varies, drive-by shootings one method, shooting in schools and malls currently a public concern

Weapons: guns of all sorts, sometimes illegal, defaced, sawed-off, assault rifles, pistols

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: some shootings involve issues of gang territory 

Method: varies in approach, gun-type and intention

Motive: varies, gang revenge, shooting in commission of another crime such as robbery, individual revenge for perceived injury, power, to enhance one's criminal reputation (don't mess with me), to earn respect from other criminals, argument, peer pressure

Query Terms: shot, shoot, shots, fire, fired, casings, bullet, rounds, gunfire, gunshot

Suggestions: systematically track ALL incidents of shots actually fired (be clear in defining what you are tracking) including at persons, persons hit by gun shot, vehicles shot, building shot, etc - look for patterns in shots fired and gun-related 91l calls as well but keep this data separate - actual known shootings and calls are different data sets, also track victims of gunshots to see if they are gang members and/or have criminal records - work with other intelligence to define problems

(Note that shootings with bb guns and paintballs are a separate problem and should be tracked as well)

Resources:

Preventing Gang Violence and Building Communities Where Young People Thrive

Preventing School Shootings

Gun Deaths in Rural and Urban Settings: Recommendations for Prevention

Cocaine countries clarified

The article Cocaine countries clarified discusses a new form of analysis to determine the origins of cocaine to help intelligence analysis efforts in the future.

Environmental Criminology and Crime Analysis

A new book:

Crime Pattern ID: Gun Trafficking

 Pattern: Gun Trafficking

Victims: gun sellers, community, persons shot

Perpetrators: organized crime, individuals seeking profit 

Locations: guns moved from low-regulated states to higher regulate states

Weapons:guns

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: movement from low-regulated to high regulated states is a common pattern 

Stolen Goods: sometimes guns are stolen, sometimes they are purchased

Method: obtaining, transporting and selling illegal guns, guns shows and corrupt gun dealers are sources

Motive: mainly profit, some guns may be trafficked to be used in organized criminal activity

Query Terms: defaced, out of state, gun, rifle, pistol (names of types of guns), dealer, straw purchase

Suggestions: track all reports of stolen guns in your jurisdiction, analyze recovered gun data looking for guns with out-of-state origins, analyze gun trace data, network with ATF

Resources:

Strategies for Disrupting Illegal Firearm Markets: A Case Study of Los Angeles

Policies to prevent firearm trafficking

Prevent Gun Trafficking

Crime Pattern ID: Cemeteries

Pattern: Crimes in Cemeteries (vandalism and theft)

Victims: families, cemeteries

Perpetrators: youths, thieves targeting copper/metal or art

Locations: cemetery

Times: may occur on days when fewest visitors are at cemeteries

Entry/Approach Methods: may enter through gate or climb fences

Tools: graffiti tools, burglary tools

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: may be on foot or in vehicles

Stolen Goods: urns, vases stained glass, headstones etc.

Method: suspects may enter cemeteries from out-of-sight areas, youths may topple gravestones or vandalize graves, on rare occasions graves may be desecrated (dug up), theft of valuable metals and decorations such as urns, stained glass, vases for profit 

Motive: thrill for youths, profit for thieves

Query Terms: cemetery, urn, grave, mausoleum, vase, stained glass, bronze, copper, headstone, marker

Suggestions: track these crimes and know where your cemeteries are located, look for crossjurisdictional patterns of theft

Resources:

Vandalism in Cemeteries

What Motivates Cemetery Vandalism?

Crime Pattern ID: Theft/Smuggling of Cigarettes

Pattern: Theft/Smuggling of Cigarettes

Victims: businesses, tax authorities

Perpetrators: those wanting to make quick profit from selling cigarettes, has been linked to funding terrorism and organized crime

Locations: cigarettes are stolen in many areas (no limits to that), smuggling cigarettes into high-taxed states is most profitable

Tools: may have counterfeit tax stamps

Vehicles/Transportation Routes: interstate using large trailers

Stolen Goods: cigarettes

Method: varies, read resources below

Motive: profit for any reason - can make over a million on one truckload of cigarettes

Query Terms: cigarette, carton, case, tax stamp, name brands of cigarettes

Suggestions: look for high volume thefts of cigarettes in your data, track ALL large thefts of cigarettes (more than an individual could smoke), look for patterns and indicators of organized theft rings

Resources:

THE GLOBAL ILLICIT TRADE IN TOBACCO: A THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY

Fact Sheet - Tobacco Enforcement