Intelligence Analyst Career

Job Description: Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.


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Intelligence Analyst Career

What Intelligence Analysts do:

  • Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations to share information or coordinate intelligence activities.
  • Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
  • Identify gaps in information.
  • Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
  • Study activities relating to narcotics, money laundering, gangs, auto theft rings, terrorism, or other national security threats.
  • Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
  • Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
  • Conduct presentations of analytic findings.
  • Design, use, or maintain databases and software applications, such as geographic information systems (GIS) mapping and artificial intelligence tools.
  • Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
  • Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
  • Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
  • Establish criminal profiles to aid in connecting criminal organizations with their members.
  • Gather and evaluate information, using tools such as aerial photographs, radar equipment, or sensitive radio equipment.
  • Study the assets of criminal suspects to determine the flow of money from or to targeted groups.
  • Operate cameras, radios, or other surveillance equipment to intercept communications or document activities.
  • Predict future gang, organized crime, or terrorist activity, using analyses of intelligence data.
  • Interview, interrogate, or interact with witnesses or crime suspects to collect human intelligence.
  • Develop defense plans or tactics, using intelligence and other information.
  • Study communication code languages or foreign languages to translate intelligence.
  • Prepare plans to intercept foreign communications transmissions.

What work activities are most important?

Importance Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Holland Code Chart for an Intelligence Analyst