Intelligence gathering is a key role in law enforcement, and even though there is a process in place to gather intelligence, it is not without flaws. Discuss some of the pitfall that can occur in intelligence gathering

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: As discussed throughout the chapter having information is not enough to be helpful. Information needs to be collated and disseminated. Agencies that gather information need to be organized, focused, and have direction. Large amounts of information that is gathered and used improperly, often because it is not collated, can have serious impacts on the person, group, agency, business, or government to which it is directed. Sufficient safeguards need to be put in place to screen, review, and manage intelligence files. Misappropriated information can lead to abuse of civil liberties and potential civil liabilities. Use of law enforcement intelligence resources to intimidate, inhibit, or suppress such activities under the pretext of legitimate police concern for maintaining social order is at best misguided and, in the worst-case scenario, constitutes a threat to the principles of law enforcement in a democratic society.