Security threats have become more sophisticated and common in contemporary society because of globalization and rapid technological advancements. As criminals continue to develop sophisticated means for carrying out their activities, local and international law enforcement agencies are constantly seeking for measures to prevent and thwart criminal activities. One of the measures that play a critical role in achieving this is intelligence. National security intelligence agencies and law enforcement agencies has enhanced their collaboration to help deal with domestic and international security threats. Even though intelligence plays a critical role in modern security, its place in a free society continues to be a controversial issue that evokes a series of passions and responses. This paper examines the role of intelligence in the modern world as a critical component of geostrategic developments.
What is Intelligence?
Intelligence is a term that is used to refer to the collection and evaluation of internal and external security threats (Lemieux, 2018). This process is usually geared toward enabling security agencies and personnel to have a body of knowledge regarding potential internal and external security threats. As a result, intelligence shapes measures undertaken by law enforcement agencies and personnel in fighting crime through dealing with security threats. In most cases, intelligence agencies are established and mandated with the responsibility of gathering, analyzing, and exploiting information to support actions undertaken by law enforcement agencies and the military. During this process, intelligence agencies help in the achievement of military, national security, law enforcement, and foreign policy objectives. Intelligence agencies gather and analyze raw information to generate concrete and synergistic information or knowledge regarding security threats.
Modes of Intelligence Practice in the World
Since every nation across the globe faces diverse internal and external security threats, various modes of intelligence practice have been embraced by law enforcement agencies and security personnel worldwide. One of the most commonly used modes of intelligence practice in the world is community policing, which is part of intelligence-led policing practices (Carter, 2009). In this framework, law enforcement agencies and security personnel work in collaboration with community members to identify potential security threats. Law enforcement personnel collect raw information from community members regarding potential security threats and criminals. This raw information is then analyzed to develop synergistic knowledge, which becomes the premise for law enforcement actions. The second mode of intelligence practice worldwide is tactical intelligence in which a criminal case is developed as part of a continuing major multijurisdictional crime or an ongoing criminal enterprise such as terrorism (Federation of American Scientists, n.d.). This process entails gathering and managing a wide range of information to promote successful prosecution of the target of intelligence.
Contemporary Developments in Intelligence
Contemporary intelligence has been characterized by enhanced focus on dealing with terrorism, which...…the use of technology in intelligence gathering generates concerns regarding privacy and confidentiality. This concerns will dominate future intelligence practice since people are usually protective of their personal data and are concerned of surveillance by police and intelligence agencies (Schaub & West, 2014).
Despite these challenges, the future of intelligence will be characterized by increased use of technology for surveillance and collecting information. For example, law enforcement agencies are looking to utilize drones for surveillance and patrol. Drones are considered helpful in intelligence since they can gather real-time information to crime analysts and police dispatchers regarding ongoing crimes and assess dangerous situations (Roufa, 2018). The modern world cannot seek to ban intelligence practice given its significance in enhancing security. Moreover, intelligence practice remains essential in today’s world since security personnel utilize it to develop stronger ties with the community (Friedman, 2010).
In conclusion, intelligence practice continues to dominate modern security and law enforcement practices. Similar to every facet of the society, intelligence practice has been characterized by increased adoption of technology. Technological systems and devices are considered critical toward improving intelligence gathering and analysis practices. The adoption of technology in intelligence is attributable to the fact that intelligence practice has evolved to become more strategic in management of human security risk. Through adoption of a strategic approach, intelligence practice is currently based on the concept of intelligence-led policing.
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