Description
Intelligence officers develop and execute plans to gather information and intelligence. They investigate the lines of enquiry which would provide them with the necessary intelligence, and contact and interview people who may provide intelligence. They write reports on their results, and perform administrative duties to ensure records maintenance.
Other titles
The following job titles also refer to intelligence officer:
counter-terrorism analyst
intelligence research specialist
research and intelligence officer
cyber investigator
criminal intelligence analyst
intelligence investigator
intelligence research officer
housing intelligence officer
research & intelligence officer
military intelligence officer
intelligence analyst
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as intelligence officer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.
ISCO skill level
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
- the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
- the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
- the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
Intelligence officer is a Skill level 4 occupation.
Intelligence officer career path
Similar occupations
These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to intelligence officer.
police commissioner
lieutenant
colonel
correctional services manager
prosecutor
Long term prospects
These occupations require some skills and knowledge of intelligence officer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of intelligence officer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.
Essential knowledge and skills
Essential knowledge
This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of intelligence officer.
Investigation research methods: The methods and strategies used to conduct police, government intelligence or military investigation research, as well as the research regulations specific to the operation.
Surveillance methods: Surveillance methods used in the gathering of information and intelligence for investigation purposes.
Essential skills and competences
These skills are necessary for the role of intelligence officer.
Develop investigation strategy: Develop strategies used in an investigation to gather information and intelligence in the most productive way, compliant with legislation, ensuring that the strategy is adapted to each individual case in order to obtain intelligence as efficiently and quickly as possible.
Undertake inspections: Undertake safety inspections in areas of concern to identify and report potential hazards or security breaches; take measures to maximise safety standards.
Think analytically: Produce thoughts using logic and reasoning in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Ensure information security: Ensure that the information gathered during surveillance or investigations remains in the hands of those authorised to receive and use it, and does not fall into enemy or otherwise non-authorised individuals’ hands.
Maintain professional records: Produce and maintain records of work performed.
Document evidence: Document all evidence found on a crime scene, during an investigation, or when presented in a hearing, in a manner compliant with regulations, to ensure that no piece of evidence is left out of the case and that records are maintained.
Conduct research interview: Use professional researching and interviewing methods and techniques to gather relevant data, facts or information, to gain new insights and to fully comprehend the message of the interviewee.
Apply knowledge of human behaviour: Practice principles related to group behaviour, trends in society, and influence of societal dynamics.
Optional knowledge and skills
Optional knowledge
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intelligence officer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Law enforcement: The different organisations involved in law enforcement, as well as the laws and regulations in law enforcement procedures.
Constitutional law: The regulations dealing with the fundamental principles or established precedents which govern a state or organisation.
Optional skills and competences
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of intelligence officer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Handle evidence: Handle evidence important for a case in a manner compliant with regulations, in order to not affect the state of the evidence in question and to ensure its pristine condition and usability in the case.
Present evidence: Present evidence in a criminal or civil case to others, in a convincing and appropriate manner, in order to reach the right or most beneficial solution.
Use different communication channels: Make use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.
Perform covert investigations: Perform investigative duties in a manner which ensures the private and covert nature of the operation, and that the investigator is not discovered by any parties which may negatively influence the investigation.
Promote human rights: Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the international and national codes of ethics, as well as the ethical implications of healthcare provision, ensuring their right to privacy and honouring for the confidentiality of healthcare information.
Examine crime scenes: Examine crime scenes upon arrival to ensure they are not tampered with, and to perform the initial assessments and analyses of what may have occurred, as well as examining the nature of the evidence present.
Apply information security policies: Implement policies, methods and regulations for data and information security in order to respect confidentiality, integrity and availability principles.
Handle surveillance equipment: Monitor surveillance equipment to observe what people are doing in a given area and ensure their safety.
Check official documents: Check an individuals’ official documentation, such as driver’s licenses and identification, to ensure compliance with legal regulations, and to identify and assess individuals.
Hear witness accounts: Hear witness accounts during a court hearing or during an investigation to assess the significance of the account, its impact on the case under scrutiny or investigation, and to aid in reaching a conclusion.
Identify security threats: Identify security threats during investigations, inspections, or patrols, and perform the necessary actions to minimise or neutralise the threat.
Ensure adherence to the constitution: Inspect compliance from organisations and individuals to constitutionally defined legislation, and take the appropriate measures if there are breaches against the constitution.
Write situation reports: Write reports according to specifications and regulations of an organisation on the situation which needs to be reported on, such as the status of an investigation, of intelligence gathering, or of missions and operations.
Ensure compliance with policies: Ensure compliance with legislation and company procedures in respect of health and safety in the workplace and public areas. Ensure awareness and compliance with all company policies in relation to health and safety and equal opportunities in the workplace.
Maintain operational communications: Maintain communications between different departments of an organisation, between the staff, or during specific operations or missions, to ensure that the operation or mission is successful, or that the organisation functions smoothly.
ISCO group and title
2422 – Policy administration professionals
References
- Intelligence officer – ESCO