Criminal intelligence analyst

You would analyse data to spot patterns and networks of criminal activity and plan ways to tackle and stop crime.

You would:

• Collect information from local, national and international computer systems

• Update intelligence records in databases

• Analyse data using specialist software

• Build up a picture of crime clusters in an area (problem profiling)

• Monitor the behaviour of suspect individuals or groups (targeted profiling)

• Be a witness during court proceedings

Police forces and security agencies will use this information to

• Understand how patterns of criminal activity are linked

• Target individuals and their networks

• Tackle trends in particular crimes, for example fraud, drug smuggling or vehicle theft

• Plan initiatives to reduce future offending

You’d use the data to help managers plan how to use their resources (tactical assessment). You’d also review how effective the analysis is and recommend changes where necessary.

It’s a job where you’d need to build up relationships with people working in different departments in the police service and other agencies. You’d have access to a lot of confidential information so you’d need to respect and understand data security.

As a senior analyst, you may provide specialist advice and assess trends to help managers decide on future priorities (strategic assessment).

• Government Communications HQ – careers website from the UK Government agency focused on cyber intelligence gathering and security

• Secret Intelligence Service MI6 – careers at the UK Government agency for overseas intelligence-gathering and analysis

• Security Service MI5 – careers at the Government agency responsible for UK national security

• A guide to cyber security qualifications in Scotland