Police intelligence: connecting-the-dots in a network society

Abstract

Multi-jurisdictional information sharing is essential for the effective operation of police intelligence. In police intelligence, information can be shared formally via digital information networks or informally via personal social networks. Participant interviews were conducted with 30 intelligence officers in Ontario, Canada, to examine the distinction between, and reliance on, the use of formal information communication technologies (ICTs) versus personal networks to exchange intelligence information. This study found an overreliance on informal personal communication networks to facilitate multi-jurisdictional information sharing. Information shared informally between contacts was perceived to be more current, detailed, reliable and secure. Theoretically, this indicates that a social network framework may be more useful in understanding information flow to ‘connect-the-dots’ rather than the digital information network framework (e.g. fusion centre) traditionally applied. It is argued that future strategies for enhancing information sharing will require greater attention to the role informal social networks perform in facilitating the exchange of intelligence information.