A guide to becoming a criminal intelligence analyst in the UK

A guide to becoming a criminal intelligence analyst in the UK

Working with the police offers the chance to make a real difference, supporting public safety and helping to reduce crime across communities. For those who want to play a meaningful role in law enforcement without becoming a warranted officer, one potential avenue for those with the right skills and mindset is criminal intelligence analysis. These civilian professionals provide the essential insights that drive investigations, identify threats and guide strategic policing decisions, making them an essential part of modern, intelligence-led policing in the UK.

What is a criminal intelligence analyst?

A criminal intelligence analyst is a specialist who gathers, assesses and interprets information to support police or other law enforcement agencies and improve public safety. Their goal is to identify patterns in crime, spot emerging threats and provide evidence-based insights that help officers make informed operational decisions. 

Unlike detectives or frontline officers, these are civilian roles, but they are central to proactive policing, using data and intelligence to prevent crime before it occurs. Analysts work closely with police officers, investigators and partner agencies, contributing to everything from local crime reduction initiatives to national security operations. Because they handle sensitive and sometimes classified information, they are held to the same high standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability as sworn officers.

Where do criminal intelligence analysts work?

Criminal intelligence analysts are employed across a wide range of law enforcement and government agencies in the UK. Many work within regional police forces, often as part of dedicated teams such as Force Intelligence Bureaus (FIBs) or Intelligence Units (IUs). In these roles, they support frontline policing, help tackle organised crime and contribute to long-term crime reduction strategies.

Others are based in national organisations, including the National Crime Agency (NCA), Border Force and the Home Office. These analysts focus on areas such as serious and organised crime, cross-border threats and public protection. Meanwhile, some roles are located within multi-agency environments such as counter-terrorism units and Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), where analysts contribute to joint operations and intelligence-sharing efforts.

Wherever they are based, these professionals must be adaptable, discreet and capable of working within complex intelligence frameworks at both local and national levels.

What do criminal intelligence analysts do?

Criminal intelligence analysts play a key role in helping police and law enforcement agencies understand criminal activity, assess threats and make evidence-based decisions. 

They work with a wide range of data sources, including police records, CCTV footage, mobile phone data, financial transactions, open-source intelligence and communications data. Their job is to turn this information into useful intelligence that can guide investigations, disrupt criminal networks and support proactive policing efforts. 

Common day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Gathering and processing information from internal and external intelligence sources.
• Analysing crime patterns, hotspots, offender behaviour and emerging threats.
• Identifying links between individuals, groups, events or locations.
• Producing intelligence reports, risk assessments and strategic briefings.
• Supporting operational planning, including arrests, warrants and surveillance activity.
• Liaising with detectives, frontline officers, partner agencies and other analysts.
• Ensuring all intelligence handling complies with legal and ethical standards.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to secure information systems.
  

These roles require focus, critical thinking and sound judgement in often time-sensitive environments.

Key skills and qualities needed

Criminal intelligence analysts need to combine logical thinking with strong data analysis skills. These roles demand a careful balance of analytical precision and clear communication. There is also a need for discretion, particularly when translating complex findings into intelligence that can be used in live investigations.

Key skills and qualities include:

• Attention to detail and the ability to spot patterns in complex information.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence in using databases, spreadsheets and analytical tools.
• Critical thinking and structured problem-solving.
• An understanding of policing, crime types and investigative processes.
• The ability to work independently and as part of multi-agency teams.
• Time management and prioritisation under pressure.
  

Analysts must also demonstrate high levels of integrity and emotional resilience, particularly when dealing with sensitive material or distressing subject matter.

How to become a criminal intelligence analyst

Most criminal intelligence analysts enter the field through direct recruitment by police forces, national agencies or government bodies. Roles are also commonly advertised on dedicated platforms such as SecurityClearedJobs.com, as well as local police recruitment pages and the Civil Service jobs portal.

While a degree isn’t always essential, qualifications in criminology, psychology or data analysis are often preferred. Relevant experience in research, intelligence or analytical roles is also highly valued.

Candidates will usually be required to pass background checks and obtain vetting such as Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) or Security Check (SC) clearance, depending on the role.

For those with an analytical mindset, strong ethics and a genuine interest in policing and public safety, this career offers purpose, variety and progression.