Critical Thinking and Analytic Methods (CTAM) course:
This is a DHS Intelligence analysis course designed to train
intelligence and law enforcement personnel within the DHS HQ, DHS
Component Agencies and our State, Local and Tribal (SL&T) partners basic analytical methods and critical thinking skills in a collaborative environment. The course will be held at the Unclassified FOUO level to ensure maximum participation from all across DHS and our SL&T partners. The CTAM course is on the DHS Grants and Training catalog, so SL&T personnel can use federal grant money to attend.
Class size is limited to 24 students. Course Registration closes on November 12, 2008. Registration is on a first come - first served basis. However, the course managers will endeavor to insure broad representation within the course.
Course: Critical Thinking and Analytic Methods (CTAM) Dates: November 17 – 21, 2008 Location: Homeland Security Intelligence Training Center (HSITC) 45065 Riverside Parkway, Ashburn, VA 20147 Clearance: None / Unclassified FOUO Deadline: November 12, 2008 Tuition is free.
Course administrators will provide further administrative instructions/materials upon student registration.
Enrollment procedures: Interested applicants must submit an approved SF- 182 by COB November 12, 2008 to the Training Registrars (Kris Peerman/Marlys Rayford) or via FAX at 202-447-3600 ATTN: Marlys Rayford, in order to register for the course and to receive location directions.
POC's for additional information on the CTAM course are: Phil Wright
phillip.wright@associates.dhs.com , and the Training Registrar: Kris
Peerman ia-registrar@dhs.gov (202-282-9892).
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
BJA in Intelligence-Led Policing
The Bureau of Justice Assistance's web page on Intelligence-Led Policing has links to many resources.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Guidance for fusion centers to be released
Read this important article: Guidance for fusion centers to be released
Sharing Files
Here is a free resource for sharing files online: drop.io
Of course, you would use it for anything private, but it may be good way to share open source materials.
Of course, you would use it for anything private, but it may be good way to share open source materials.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Quote of the Week
"Analysis is indispensable to tactical and strategic planning—record management systems are robust, analysts are well-trained and equipped, actionable intelligence products are regularly produced to inform both tactical and strategic decisions."
~Bureau of Justice Assistance on Intelligence-Led Policing
~Bureau of Justice Assistance on Intelligence-Led Policing
Blog Talk Radio: Street Prostitution
Street prostitution is a crime problem that can be addressed through problem oriented policing approaches. "Low level" crimes such as these contribute to the social decay of cities and are "attractors" of serious violent crime. Street prostitutes are the victims of violent crimes.
Join me, Deborah Osborne, and Dr. Pamela Beal as we discuss methods to reduce the problem of street prostitution in communities. Dr. Beal was a winner of the Herman Goldstein award for her problem oriented policing project focused on tackling street prostitution.
The Center for Problem Oriented Policing offers a guide on this topic: Street Prostitution. Read Workable Solutions to the Problem of Street Prostitution in Buffalo, NY.
New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/
Policing: A Journal Of Policy and Practice
Policing: A Journal Of Policy and Practice is a new journal available by subscription - the first issue, on Policing Terrorism, is free.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
ixReveal's free tool uReka
Some of you know that I am on the Board of Advisors for the text analytics software company ixReveal. There is a free trial download of their tool uReka which can help you in searching your own systems as well as open source searches.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office uses uReveal to conduct sophisticated analysis of structured and unstructured text. Read more about this ixReveal product here....
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office uses uReveal to conduct sophisticated analysis of structured and unstructured text. Read more about this ixReveal product here....
NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts
Job Opportunity at the National Institute of Justice
NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research, evaluation, and development arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual to lead and manage NIJ's Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE). ORE is comprised of three divisions: Crime Control and Prevention; Violence and Victimization; and Justice Systems.
The ideal applicant will have extensive leadership and management experience, in addition to substantive expertise in the area of criminal justice. Applicants must have experience in long-range planning and development of criminal justice research and evaluation programs. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to build successful relationships and partnerships both internally and with other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; nonprofit and private sector organizations; educational institutions; or international organizations. A Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, psychology, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Duties include:
* Provide supervision and oversight of an office of 25+ individuals;
* Provide technical support and leadership on a variety of criminal justice and social science research initiatives;
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various high-level individuals within and external to DOJ;
* Provide advice, guidance, and assistance to the NIJ Director on criminal and juvenile justice research initiatives.
View more information about this position.
NIJ staff will be available to answer questions about this position at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology Conference in St. Louis, MO. Visit the "What's Up at NIJ?" panel in the St. Louis Ballroom B on Friday, November 14 from 9:30-10:50 a.m.
NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research, evaluation, and development arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual to lead and manage NIJ's Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE). ORE is comprised of three divisions: Crime Control and Prevention; Violence and Victimization; and Justice Systems.
The ideal applicant will have extensive leadership and management experience, in addition to substantive expertise in the area of criminal justice. Applicants must have experience in long-range planning and development of criminal justice research and evaluation programs. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to build successful relationships and partnerships both internally and with other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; nonprofit and private sector organizations; educational institutions; or international organizations. A Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, psychology, or a related field is strongly preferred.
Duties include:
* Provide supervision and oversight of an office of 25+ individuals;
* Provide technical support and leadership on a variety of criminal justice and social science research initiatives;
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various high-level individuals within and external to DOJ;
* Provide advice, guidance, and assistance to the NIJ Director on criminal and juvenile justice research initiatives.
View more information about this position.
NIJ staff will be available to answer questions about this position at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology Conference in St. Louis, MO. Visit the "What's Up at NIJ?" panel in the St. Louis Ballroom B on Friday, November 14 from 9:30-10:50 a.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Foreclosures and Crime: A Geographical Perspective
Foreclosures and Crime: A Geographical Perspective
See this article and articles on this important topic in the current Geography & Public Safety: A Quarterly Bulletin of Applied Geography for the Study of Crime & Public Safety, Volume 1 Issue 3 | October 2008
See this article and articles on this important topic in the current Geography & Public Safety: A Quarterly Bulletin of Applied Geography for the Study of Crime & Public Safety, Volume 1 Issue 3 | October 2008
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Renown Futurist Marv Centron on Terrorism
Many law enforcement analysts work in Homeland Security and will find this Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show relevant. What is the future of terrorism? How should we look at the problem? Join me, Deborah Osborne, and Dr. Marvin Cetron, as we discuss terrorism and the future.
Dr. Marvin Cetron is the Founder and President of Forecasting International and is one of the foremost forecaster-futurists in the world. During his 20 year career in research and development planning and forecasting with the U.S. Navy, Dr. Marvin Cetron was in charge of the design, development and implementation of the most comprehensive technological forecast in the United States. Dr. Marvin Cetron has authored numerous articles, papers and publications and he has authored over three dozen books.
Read 55 Trends Now Shaping the Future of Terrorism mentioned on this show.
New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/
Monday, October 20, 2008
Reorganizing U.S. Domestic Intelligence: Assessing the Options
This RAND monograph by Gregory F. Treverton is available for purchase and as a free pdf file on the RAND website.
Description:
"One of the questions in the fight against terrorism is whether the United States needs a dedicated domestic intelligence agency separate from law enforcement, on the model of many comparable democracies. To examine this issue, Congress directed that the Department of Homeland Security perform an independent study on the feasibility of creating a counterterrorism intelligence agency and the department turned to the RAND Corporation for this analysis but asked it specifically not to make a recommendation. This volume lays out the relevant considerations for creating such an agency. It draws on a variety of research methods, including historical and legal analysis; a review of organizational theory; examination of current domestic intelligence efforts, their history, and the public's view of them; examination of the domestic intelligence agencies in six other democracies; and interviews with an expert panel made up of current and former intelligence and law enforcement professionals. The monograph highlights five principal problems that might be seen to afflict current domestic intelligence enterprise; for each, there are several possible solutions, and the creation of a new agency addresses only some of the five problems. The volume discusses how a technique called break-even analysis can be used to evaluate proposals for a new agency in the context of the perceived magnitude of the terrorism threat. It concludes with a discussion of how to address the unanswered questions and lack of information that currently cloud the debate over whether to create a dedicated domestic intelligence agency."
Description:
"One of the questions in the fight against terrorism is whether the United States needs a dedicated domestic intelligence agency separate from law enforcement, on the model of many comparable democracies. To examine this issue, Congress directed that the Department of Homeland Security perform an independent study on the feasibility of creating a counterterrorism intelligence agency and the department turned to the RAND Corporation for this analysis but asked it specifically not to make a recommendation. This volume lays out the relevant considerations for creating such an agency. It draws on a variety of research methods, including historical and legal analysis; a review of organizational theory; examination of current domestic intelligence efforts, their history, and the public's view of them; examination of the domestic intelligence agencies in six other democracies; and interviews with an expert panel made up of current and former intelligence and law enforcement professionals. The monograph highlights five principal problems that might be seen to afflict current domestic intelligence enterprise; for each, there are several possible solutions, and the creation of a new agency addresses only some of the five problems. The volume discusses how a technique called break-even analysis can be used to evaluate proposals for a new agency in the context of the perceived magnitude of the terrorism threat. It concludes with a discussion of how to address the unanswered questions and lack of information that currently cloud the debate over whether to create a dedicated domestic intelligence agency."
The Intelligence Cycle: Project Runway Style
Here is an entertaining blog post with a new twist in describing the intelligence cycle. It would make a nice ice breaking instructional tool in an introductory class.
Energy Security In Mexico: Problems and Implications
Here is some fuel for thought....
An excerpt:
"The following quotes from a wide-ranging group of Mexican security and energy analysts illustrate that the country has major security issues when it comes to protecting its energy infrastructure:
* “Nobody's in charge of the pipeline system. Nobody is accountable for it” – George Baker, publisher of the Houston newsletter Mexico Energy Intelligence
* “The bottom line is that Mexico does not have an internal security strategy” – Abelardo Rodriquez Sumano, national security expert at the Technological Institute of Monterrey
* "To try and guard this extensive and complicated network of pipelines with police or soldiers is simply impossible” – Sergio Sarmiento, energy columnist
* “Pemex still needs to improve security intelligence in a big way” – Elena Azaola, national security expert at the Center of Investigations and Social Anthropological Studies
* "These stations are not protected at all” – Agustin Humman, Vice-President of the Mexican Natural Gas Association, on Pemex leaving several visible, above ground energy stations unguarded"
An excerpt:
"The following quotes from a wide-ranging group of Mexican security and energy analysts illustrate that the country has major security issues when it comes to protecting its energy infrastructure:
* “Nobody's in charge of the pipeline system. Nobody is accountable for it” – George Baker, publisher of the Houston newsletter Mexico Energy Intelligence
* “The bottom line is that Mexico does not have an internal security strategy” – Abelardo Rodriquez Sumano, national security expert at the Technological Institute of Monterrey
* "To try and guard this extensive and complicated network of pipelines with police or soldiers is simply impossible” – Sergio Sarmiento, energy columnist
* “Pemex still needs to improve security intelligence in a big way” – Elena Azaola, national security expert at the Center of Investigations and Social Anthropological Studies
* "These stations are not protected at all” – Agustin Humman, Vice-President of the Mexican Natural Gas Association, on Pemex leaving several visible, above ground energy stations unguarded"
Saturday, October 18, 2008
F.B.I. Struggles to Handle Wave of Financial Fraud Cases
F.B.I. Struggles to Handle Wave of Financial Fraud Cases is an interesting article. Where is the strategic thinking in resource allocation? If we react to the problems du jour and do not look at the whole picture in the broadest sense, we give the power to those who create the most obvious problems rather than ourselves.
Thirty Tools for Writers
Make your writing clearer!Thirty Tools for Writers is an article that can benefit analysts.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Quote of the Week
"I see intelligence analysis as a broader decision support function, rather than a narrow secret state function, and as such can be taught, applied and investigated in all areas where sense has to be made of the myriad conflicting signals."
Source: Dalene Duvanage in her paper Private/academic partnership in intelligence analysis training: The South African experience presented at the 2008 International Association for Intelligence Education conference.
Source: Dalene Duvanage in her paper Private/academic partnership in intelligence analysis training: The South African experience presented at the 2008 International Association for Intelligence Education conference.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Chief Tom Casady on the IACA conference
Read Chief Casady's comments on the International Association of Crime Analysts conference.
Why are there so few police leaders in the membership of analysts' associations?
Why are there so few police leaders in the membership of analysts' associations?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Robert Heibel: Knowledge Workers in Intelligence
Listen to Robert Heibel, Executive Director of the Mercyhurst College Institute for Intelligence Studies, on my latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show.
New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Remarks by Under Secretary Charles Allen at the Maritime Security Council
Remarks by Under Secretary Charles Allen at the Maritime Security Council
Release Date: October 7, 2008
Washington, D.C.
Maritime Security Council 2008 Leadership Summit
(Remarks as Prepared)
Release Date: October 7, 2008
Washington, D.C.
Maritime Security Council 2008 Leadership Summit
(Remarks as Prepared)
Multiagency Course: Introduction to Basic Drug Intelligence Analysis
Multiagency Course: Introduction to Basic Drug Intelligence Analysis
SUMMARY:
The Multiagency Course was created in 1997 through the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Guard Bureau, U.S. Customs Service, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and National Drug Intelligence Center. The National Drug Intelligence Center funds and coordinates the course.
September 11th has reaffirmed that communication, cooperation, and information sharing within and among agencies are of paramount importance. During the Multiagency Course you will have the opportunity to network with intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers from your own area and from across the country. You will discuss local drug trends with other participants and acquire insight into what is being seen in other parts of the country. Law enforcement officers will learn what analysts can do for them. Analysts will learn what law enforcement officers need. You will receive contact information for participants from all sites so you can develop cooperative relationships.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from federal agencies. We will provide contact information for all instructors in case you have questions after the class.
During the course week, you will be exposed to a broad spectrum of drug and intelligence topics and skills. This broad exposure will get you started in drug intelligence analysis and will help you identify the areas where you need more in-depth training.
The Multiagency Course is delivered via interactive videoteletraining (IVT) providing two-way audio and video links. This course is broadcast from our classroom in the Washington, D.C., area to the receiving sites. Analyst facilitators are available at each site to assist participants with course materials, questions, practical exercises, and the IVT technology. IVT is an economical alternative to traditional offsite training which requires travel and lodging costs.
Course Dates and Locations:
November 17-21, 2008:
Los Angeles, CA
Carson City, NV
Monmouth, OR
Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Washington, D.C., area
FUNDING:
Training and materials are provided at no cost by the National Drug Intelligence Center. Participants are responsible for all travel, lodging and per diem costs.
ELIGIBILITY:
Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel (including active duty military and National Guard) who are able to attend all training sessions, are willing to participate, and have a strong desire to learn about basic drug intelligence analysis should attend. The course is open to U.S. law enforcement personnel only.
TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Call the Registrar at (814) 532-4028 or e-mail ndic.training@usdoj.gov. The fax number is (814) 532-4920. The course website is located at http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/magency.htm.
SUMMARY:
The Multiagency Course was created in 1997 through the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, National Guard Bureau, U.S. Customs Service, Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, and National Drug Intelligence Center. The National Drug Intelligence Center funds and coordinates the course.
September 11th has reaffirmed that communication, cooperation, and information sharing within and among agencies are of paramount importance. During the Multiagency Course you will have the opportunity to network with intelligence analysts and law enforcement officers from your own area and from across the country. You will discuss local drug trends with other participants and acquire insight into what is being seen in other parts of the country. Law enforcement officers will learn what analysts can do for them. Analysts will learn what law enforcement officers need. You will receive contact information for participants from all sites so you can develop cooperative relationships.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with subject matter experts from federal agencies. We will provide contact information for all instructors in case you have questions after the class.
During the course week, you will be exposed to a broad spectrum of drug and intelligence topics and skills. This broad exposure will get you started in drug intelligence analysis and will help you identify the areas where you need more in-depth training.
The Multiagency Course is delivered via interactive videoteletraining (IVT) providing two-way audio and video links. This course is broadcast from our classroom in the Washington, D.C., area to the receiving sites. Analyst facilitators are available at each site to assist participants with course materials, questions, practical exercises, and the IVT technology. IVT is an economical alternative to traditional offsite training which requires travel and lodging costs.
Course Dates and Locations:
November 17-21, 2008:
Los Angeles, CA
Carson City, NV
Monmouth, OR
Fort Indiantown Gap, PA
Washington, D.C., area
FUNDING:
Training and materials are provided at no cost by the National Drug Intelligence Center. Participants are responsible for all travel, lodging and per diem costs.
ELIGIBILITY:
Federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement personnel (including active duty military and National Guard) who are able to attend all training sessions, are willing to participate, and have a strong desire to learn about basic drug intelligence analysis should attend. The course is open to U.S. law enforcement personnel only.
TO REGISTER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Call the Registrar at (814) 532-4028 or e-mail ndic.training@usdoj.gov. The fax number is (814) 532-4920. The course website is located at http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/magency.htm.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
IntelligenceAnalysis.net
This is a website by a Principal Analyst in the UK critical of the UK's National Intelligence Model. While I do not agree with the site's contents in general, it is worth considering a voice critical to what is in place.
Crime Analysis in the News
Crime analysis is mentioned in the following articles:
5 held in robberies of coin-operated businesses
Thefts from automobiles on the rise in area
Cost-cutters turn focus to police
Crime-free housing program to be up for approval Tuesday
5 held in robberies of coin-operated businesses
Thefts from automobiles on the rise in area
Cost-cutters turn focus to police
Crime-free housing program to be up for approval Tuesday
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Two Invitations
Dear Readers,
Here are two invitations to dedicated analysts and leaders in the field:
1. I am looking for one or more persons to add to this blog on a regular basis - on a volunteer basis. I don't get paid so I cannot pay you, but this is an opportunity to help me keep the blog going while I concentrate on other areas. Paste your resume in an email and tell me why you want to do this and what value you hope to add... and, hopefully, you can help me improve the site! If anyone fills this offer by being suitable from my point of view, I will allow he/she access to posting.
2. If you are interested in being a guest on Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show, send me an email with your topic and qualifications. To participate, all you have to do is call in to a number at a specific, agreed upon time. Shows can be 15 minutes to an hour long. (They can be longer but that is all I am up to doing!)
Thanks to all of you for making this a rewarding endeavor!
Debbie
Here are two invitations to dedicated analysts and leaders in the field:
1. I am looking for one or more persons to add to this blog on a regular basis - on a volunteer basis. I don't get paid so I cannot pay you, but this is an opportunity to help me keep the blog going while I concentrate on other areas. Paste your resume in an email and tell me why you want to do this and what value you hope to add... and, hopefully, you can help me improve the site! If anyone fills this offer by being suitable from my point of view, I will allow he/she access to posting.
2. If you are interested in being a guest on Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show, send me an email with your topic and qualifications. To participate, all you have to do is call in to a number at a specific, agreed upon time. Shows can be 15 minutes to an hour long. (They can be longer but that is all I am up to doing!)
Thanks to all of you for making this a rewarding endeavor!
Debbie
Fact Sheet: Attorney General Consolidated Guidelines for FBI Domestic Operations
"The guidelines are consistent with recommendations of three major national advisory bodies and studies that the FBI become a more flexible and adept collector of intelligence." Read more...
No rift between OPP, Toronto police, officials say
Fusion centers are at the core of this article in the news about Toronto and the Ontario Provincial Police.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Matt White on Building Better Analytical Units
Listen to the latest Analysts' Corner Blog Talk Radio show, Building Better Analytical Units. I absolutely guarantee that you will get at least one new idea from listening to this discussion today with Matt White!
New link to show: https://www.leapodcasts.com/p/analysts-corner-podcast/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)