The Meaning of Criminal Intelligence

Abstract

The concept of intelligence has outgrown the confines of State activity aimed at foreign powers. Intelligence-led policing is now officially part of the EU Hague Programme for establishing an area of freedom, security and justice, but there is little consensus on what the word ‘intelligence’ actually means. This article seeks to arrive at a practical and comprehensive definition which is applicable to both security and law enforcement. Different interpretations of the word lead to differing emphases and misunderstandings. Divisive and confused debate detracts from the efficiency of the business process. A better approach establishes intelligence as a subset of information defined by significance. If information is significant, it has value and relevance. Intelligence is information which is significant or potentially significant for an enquiry or potential enquiry.