The digital transformation of intelligence analysis

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 393-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Lawrence Ashwell
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Information Technologies ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Intelligence Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Share Data ◽  
Web Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the potential of digital transformation and innovation opportunities for intelligence analysis. Its focus is the development of individuals to exploit data and information technologies to better understand and counter organised criminal networks. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted consisted of an extensive literature review and interview with practitioners in digital technology and transformation focused on intelligence, crime and terrorism, plus practical experience and field study. Findings Phenomena including the World Wide Web, social media and interconnectedness are influencing all aspects of human activity. Effective digital transformation, focusing on data, information technologies and people bestows significant competitive advantage upon those who have transformed. Applications are making previously complex processes and tasks easier for individuals to understand and exploit. An activity-based intelligence (ABI) model provides a platform for intelligence transformation. ABI provides a foundation from which to better fuse and share data to understand and resolve complex human (wicked) problems. To counter increasingly fast-moving organised crime networks, law enforcement needs to quickly transform. Originality/value This paper serves as a guide to alert and educate law enforcement professionals of the potential of digital transformation and associated evolving intelligence processes. It offers an appreciation of the nature of organisations, and the role of innovation within those organisation, required to better appreciate and tackle complex, human network challenges such as organised crime. It reveals the emergence and importance of an increasingly applications-based culture and the potential of this culture to simplify and exploit previously complex, expert-based processes.

Terrorism, organised crime and threat mitigation in a globalised world

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 951-961
Author(s):  
Yara El Siwi
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Global Networks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Subsequent Section ◽  
Threat Mitigation ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
The Cold War ◽  
Substantial Interest

Purpose The gruesome attacks of 11 September 2001 signalled a powerful paradigm shift in international politics: governments previously accustomed to military menaces were now being increasingly threatened by independent, non-state actors. Consequently, a plethora of literature emerged, looking to better understand the nature of these actors. An aspect that has attracted substantial interest is the inter-relation between terrorism and organised crime (OC). This paper aims to answer the question as to whether, for the purpose of controlling and mitigating the threat they pose to society, there is meaning in differentiating between terrorist organisations (TOs) and organised crime groups (OCGs). Design/methodology/approach The first section of the paper will provide an account of the various kinds of threats posed by OCGs and TOs. The subsequent section will question whether it is possible, in today’s globalised era, to distinguish between these two actors, while the last sections will ask if such a differentiation is desirable. Findings OCGs and TOs display a clear divergence: the former’s motivation is financial while the latter’s political. With the end of the Cold War, however, each type of organisation has been building up the capabilities of the other, helped by the force of global networks. As such, these two actors now exist within the same body – a continuum – that renders their separation difficult. As to the question of desirability, the separation of the two phenomena has often led to the adoption of highly disproportionate militarised and securitised measures, resulting in a dangerous blending of law enforcement and security service methodology. Originality/value Many have argued for the separation of the “terrorist” from the “criminal”, on the grounds that the former is particularly heinous and deserving of more severe measures. Others have studied the evolution of these two phenomena to understand whether the lines separating them have been blurring and the extent to which this affects law-enforcement. This paper goes beyond notions of feasibility and poses the following question: has the traditional separation of these phenomena led to a desirable regime?

Organised crime goes online: realities and challenges

2015 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Lavorgna
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Research Field ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Internet Crime ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Police Records ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide an empirically based description of how the Internet is exploited by different types of organised crime groups (OCGs), ranging from Italian mafia-style groups to looser gangs. Design/methodology/approach – The article relies on a dataset collected from mid-2011 to mid-2013 and, specifically, on semi-structured interviews to law enforcement officials and acknowledged experts in Italy, the UK, the USA and The Netherlands; judicial transcripts; police records; and media news. Findings – This article provides an account of the main scope for which the Internet has been used for various criminal activities traditionally associated with the organised crime rhetoric, first and foremost, cross-border trafficking activities. This study also discusses some current legal and policy approaches to deal with OCGs operating online. Originality/value – This contribution addresses an under-investigated research field and aims to foster a reflection on the opportunity to integrate Internet crime research, and even more Internet crime investigations, into the everyday routines of criminologists, analysts and law enforcement officers.

Follow the money to achieve success: achievable or aspirational

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 425-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Alan McTaggart
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Money Laundering ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Economic Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Terrorist Financing ◽  
The Subject

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the extent to which organised crime and the environment have altered in relation to money laundering and terrorist financing and to explore whether strategies to “follow the money” have been successful. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on personal analysis and involvement as a practitioner in law enforcement and includes a broad literature review on the subject of terrorist financing and money laundering. Findings Money laundering, terrorist financing and economic crime activity are being disguised in the “noise” of business by specialists that have become very adept at their craft. Financial institutions and lawmakers have invested heavily in countering money laundering and terrorist financing. However, its real effectiveness is somewhat doubtful. Originality/value This paper serves to stimulate further discussion and research on how all actors can increase collaboration and co-operation to increase the effectiveness of disruption strategies associated with these classes of crime.

Actionable strategy framework for digital transformation in AECO industry

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanjay Bhattacharya ◽  
K.S. Momaya
Keyword(s):  
Value Chain ◽  
Dynamic Capabilities ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Organization Culture ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third

PurposeThe Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) holds the potential to improve capabilities- and technology-based innovation, which will enable breakout for architectural, engineering, construction and operation and maintenance (AECO) companies, for international competitiveness. Though the top management of such companies is convinced on the utility of the applications, they are unsure on the strategy of implementing the same. The objective of this research is to suggest a strategy framework for digital transformation of the AECO value chain.Design/methodology/approachThe nascent level of research on 4IR in construction necessitated the adoption of the integrative review methodology for the study. Extensive literature review of research on strategy and 4IR has been utilized to establish the validity of the first two pillars, namely “a strategy of simple rules in a complex environment; and deployment of dynamic capabilities.” The validation of a construct for the third pillar of “confluence of change and continuity forces” has been achieved via hypothesis testing of data obtained through a questionnaire survey.FindingsThe present study has integrated three diverse ideas of strategy, named as the pillars, to facilitate sustainable digital transformation. Within the third pillar, top three continuity forces which offer resistance to change are organization culture, existing delivery processes and networks, and existing standard operating procedures. On the other hand, the leading drivers of change are needs of competitiveness; global industry trends and the advent of new technologies/innovations.Research limitations/implicationsThis provides a practical approach to operationalize digital transformation of the AECO at an organization level. The validation relied on opinion and perspectives of a sample frame in the Indian context, which was its limitation.Originality/valueThis paper suggests a strategy framework of three pillars to help address specific strategy dilemmas during implementation of digital transformation of particular organizations in AECO. The study contributes to both theory and practice by helping leaders of AECO companies, associations, policymakers and the academia to strategize transformations successfully.

Illicit gun, drug and cigarette markets are thriving

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
The United States ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Gun Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Terrorist Activity ◽  
Policy Experimentation ◽  
Illicit Markets ◽  
Terrorist Groups

Subject The outlook for illicit markets. Significance The recent increase in terrorist activity worldwide has drawn attention to three illicit markets: firearms, drugs and cigarettes. Firearms are a highly lethal weapon of choice for terrorists, but homicides using firearms kill almost 18 times more people than terrorist attacks using firearms every year around the world. The global drug market continues to adjust to law enforcement interventions, with only marginal links to terrorist groups. The illicit cigarette trade kills 700,000 people annually, and fuels corruption and organised crime. Impacts Increasing terrorist activity worldwide will raise further attention on these issues. Renewed gun control efforts are expected in Europe, and to a lesser extent in the United States. Further policy experimentation will occur on tackling the drug trade, including through cannabis regulation.

Security bill will boost Canada’s cyber capabilities

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
National Security ◽  
Prime Minister ◽  
The United States ◽  
Intelligence Analysis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Privacy Concerns ◽  
Conservative Government ◽  
Intelligence Service

Subject Bill C-59 and Canadian national security legislation. Significance Canada’s governing Liberals have introduced Bill C-59, omnibus national security legislation that promises to be the most significant overhaul of the national security and intelligence architecture since the creation of the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS) in 1984. The proposed legislation follows through on a campaign promise by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to remove unpopular elements from Bill C-51, a legacy of the Conservative government of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper that drew criticism on rights grounds for sweeping powers granted to law enforcement and intelligence to assiste counterterrorism efforts. Impacts Privacy concerns will be a persistent obstacle to Ottawa increasing cyber cooperation with the United States. The bureaucratic overhaul is likely to improve the efficacy of surveillance operations and intelligence analysis. China following through on its recent pledge not to hack Canadian commercial secrets probably depends on bilateral ties warming.

Walking the walk: practical measures to undermine the business of organised crime

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 199-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Roderick Murray
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Business Intelligence ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Field Experience ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Structures ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article was to argue that developing an understanding of organised crime business structures is a necessary component of a modern effective law enforcement response and this must found on initiatives to improved capture of relevant business intelligence and developments of suitable methods to analyse it. Design/methodology/approach – Consideration of the dynamics of the challenge set by the business of organised crime, review of relevant academic studies; adaption of a template model to assess organised crime business structures; description of how this informs a new initiative being currently undertaken within Police Scotland under the name of “Project Jackal”. Findings – Project Jackal rolled out in the summer of 2014. Report on experience will follow in subsequent papers. Research limitations/implications – Further research and reporting on field experience is implied. Practical implications – Development of more effective business intelligence capture by law enforcement and of analytical methods to exploit this intelligence against organised crime. Social implications – Protection of communities and commerce from the corruptive influence of organised crime. Originality/value – To stimulate discussion on methods and responses to tackle the challenges outlined.

Army dependence will hinder law enforcement in Mexico

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Security Policy ◽  
Legal Protection ◽  
Armed Forces ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Apparent Lack ◽  
Security Forces ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Domestic Security ◽  
Slow Progress

Subject The militarisation of policing in Mexico. Significance On December 8, Defence Minister Salvador Cienfuegos questioned the government’s domestic security strategy, saying that insecurity and violent crime “are not issues you can resolve with gunfire”. His remarks come ten years after the launch of a military campaign against organised crime, championed by former President Felipe Calderon (2006-12). Since then, criticism has grown from the military regarding the lack of progress made in restructuring and improving the effectiveness of civilian security forces, and the apparent lack of political will to regulate the role of the army, which is still at the heart of the government’s security policy. Impacts Frustration within the armed forces will continue for the remainder of the administration as police reform makes slow progress. The forces’ continued lack of legal protection in carrying out their law enforcement duties will leave them exposed to allegations of abuse. Without strengthening the justice system's ability to keep convicts in prison, no security forces will succeed against organised crime.

Early identification and intervention with individuals at risk of becoming involved in serious and organised crime (SOC)

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mick Hurley ◽  
Laura Jane Boulton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stage Process ◽  
Organised Crime Groups ◽  
Preventative Interventions

Purpose This paper aims to examine the “engage” pilot project and related processes for identifying individuals vulnerable to becoming involved in serious and organised crime groups (OCGs). Design/methodology/approach In this, a six-stage process developed in the five pilot sites to guide interventions is described. The project identified 18 individuals who have confirmed low level involvement in OCGs based in 5 areas of Greater Manchester by combining risk factors and the connecting of records held by law enforcement agencies. Findings Key risk factors found to be associated with the 18 individuals identified are described in relation to literature and discussed in terms of future intervention possibilities. A brief description of the key findings of the evaluation of the pilot project is also included. Originality/value Together these findings are discussed to explore the challenges of preventative interventions tailored towards young people already involved in criminality and offers recommendations for future programmes in this field.

Analysis of the activities of law enforcement authorities in the field of combating crime and corruption offences

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleh M. Omelchuk ◽  
Ihor Yo. Haiur ◽  
Olena G. Kozytska ◽  
Anna V. Prysiazhna ◽  
Natalia V. Khmelevska
Keyword(s):  
Law Enforcement ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Business Strategies ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Comprehensive Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legislative Measures ◽  
Business Freedom

Purpose The purpose of this study is to analyse the activities of law enforcement bodies in the field of combating crime and corruption offences. Design/methodology/approach In modern conditions in Ukraine, effective cooperation between law enforcement bodies and authorities at all levels, as well as with partner organisations and agencies at the national, regional and international levels to effectively combat crimes related to organised crime and corruption is of particular importance. Improving the investigative and detective capacity of the criminal justice system, combined with efforts to intensify cooperation, contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of joint struggle in this area, thus helping to deter, detect, punish and prevent crime and corruption offences. They must be directly part of a sustainable, long-term and comprehensive strategy to reduce the scope for corruption and open the political and economic system to greater competition. Findings The results of this study allow substantiating that the Ukrainian leadership understands the seriousness of corruption and organised crime: the state takes decisive legislative measures based on international experience. Originality/value The obvious mechanisms for reducing the level of corruption and organised crime in Ukraine can be: implementation of measures to ensure business freedom; the formation of anti-corruption business strategies; introduction of special methods of anti-corruption education; approbation in Ukraine of positive normative legal acts and practices of law enforcement of preventive nature of the European Union for joint activity of law enforcement bodies and civil society in the field of combating crime and corruption offences.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document