What do intelligence analysts do?
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.
Job titles to recognize in your search
O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.
- Anti-Terrorist Analyst
- Crime Analyst (Criminal Analyst)
- Crime and Intelligence Analyst (Criminal and Intelligence Analyst)
- Crime Intelligence Analyst (Criminal Intelligence Analyst)
- Crime Research Specialist (Criminal Research Specialist)
- Intel Analyst (Intelligence Analyst)
- Intel Research Specialist (Intelligence Research Specialist)
- Investigative Intel Analysts (Investigative Intelligence Analysts)
Core tasks to compare with a job posting
- Validate known intelligence with data from other sources.
- Gather, analyze, correlate, or evaluate information from a variety of resources, such as law enforcement databases.
- Evaluate records of communications, such as telephone calls, to plot activity and determine the size and location of criminal groups and members.
- Gather intelligence information by field observation, confidential information sources, or public records.
- Analyze intelligence data to identify patterns and trends in criminal activity.
- Prepare comprehensive written reports, presentations, maps, or charts, based on research, collection, and analysis of intelligence data.
- Collaborate with representatives from other government and intelligence organizations to share information or coordinate intelligence activities.
- Link or chart suspects to criminal organizations or events to determine activities and interrelationships.
- Establish criminal profiles to aid in connecting criminal organizations with their members.
- Identify gaps in information.
Prepare an application for this occupation
- Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
- Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
- Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
- Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.
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