Understanding police intelligence work (Key Themes in Policing) - Hardcover

James, Adrian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1447326407 ISBN 13: 9781447326403

Publisher: Policy Press, 2016

Synopsis

Although police intelligence is becoming increasingly reliant on technology, it remains a human activity. This is the first textbook to offer a comprehensive and up-to-date account of police intelligence work based on current research, and to assess how intelligence may be used wisely and ethically to influence policing policy and practice. After explaining the basic tenets of intelligence, the author, who has extensive experience in the field, critically examines the development of intelligence structures and governance of contemporary intelligence collection. He goes on to assess the threats and opportunities to policing in the digital age, including the widespread use of social media and the emergence of Big Data. Part of a new series for students and practitioners designed to reflect the importance of incorporating evidence based policing within the curriculum and practice, this much-needed textbook covers not only the technical aspects of intelligence work but also encourages reflexivity in practice.

About this title

Review:

"James provides a detailed, sophisticated and in many ways critical appraisal of police intelligence work that should be of interest to both practitioners and academics. . . . An excellent introduction to its subject matter, highlighting the core concepts, themes and developments in this area and providing the reader with an excellent starting point from which to deepen his or her knowledge. This book demonstrates James's expert knowledge of the topic in question but, more importantly, it is a medium through which even those who feel already informed about the concepts, issues and developments in this field can gain significant insight."--Colin Atkinson, University of the West of Scotland "Criminal Law and Criminal Justice Books "

"A very readable, timely, professional work that should be of interest and value to law enforcement leadership, intelligence practitioners, and intelligence studies students [and] that explores the broad universal challenges of creating a realistic intelligence-led law enforcement capability in today's world."--Robert J. Heibel, founder, Institute for Intelligence Studies, Mercyhurst University

"An insightful look behind the curtain of contemporary British intelligence practice, covering a myriad of topics relevant to the modern intelligence professional."--Jerry Ratcliffe, Temple University

"An excellent guide to the frameworks, processes, opportunities and challenges relating to police intelligence practice. . . . Comprehensive, insightful, engagingly written, and the best introduction to the subject that I know of."--Mark Phythian, University of Leicester, UK

"An accessible introduction to the myriad of intelligence approaches and constructs that tackles the current use of intelligence and explores its future potential. Essential reading for those studying and working in the field."--Nina Cope, former deputy director of intelligence, UK Metropolitan Police, and academic researcher

"Fills an important gap in the police intelligence literature. Illustrated throughout with contemporary insights it will be welcomed by practitioners and all those interested in improving the tradecraft of policing."--R. Mark Evans OBE, deputy CEO, New Zealand Police

About the Author:

Former detective and intelligence officer, Adrian James is a Senior Lecturer in criminal investigation. Adrian maintains strong links with the police service and with intelligence practitioners through his ongoing research and advisory work.

About this edition

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1447326407
• ISBN 13: 9781447326403
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 188