Review: Intelligence-Led Policing
| DOI | 10.1350/pojo.2009.82.2.477 |
| Author | Zoe James,Michelle Jolley |
| Date | 01 June 2009 |
| Published date | 01 June 2009 |
| Subject Matter | Review |
ZOE JAMES
Reviews Editor
Z.James@plymouth.ac.uk
REVIEWS
INTELLIGENCE-LED POLICING
Jerry Ratcliffe
Willan Publishing, 2008
ISBN 978-1-84392-340-4 (hardback); 978-1-84392-339-8
(paperback)
Price: £58.00; £22.99 RRP UK
Reviewed by Michelle Jolley
In a time when ‘terrorism’ and ‘organised crime’ have become
buzz words, and the demand for ‘intelligence’ gathering and
data analysis is increasing, this book with its emphasis on
analysis-driven decision making fits well within the current
security-driven environment. The book provides a welcome
introduction to intelligence-led policing (ILP) and a compre-
hensive examination of its place, application and future direction
alongside more traditional policing at local, regional and national
levels. The author makes clear that the book is not about
intelligence-led police but intelligence-led policing as a manage-
ment model, and therefore a largely theoretical stance is taken
within each chapter to highlight the concepts, processes and
practices associated with ILP. As with many criminal justice
concepts, ILP is submerged in a cloud of misunderstanding and
misconception, which has encouraged it to evolve at different
rates and in varying guises across police departments and activ-
ities, resulting in no clear definition. With this in mind the
introductory chapter starts by providing a useful outline of the
questions that the book attempts to answer, and indeed achieves,
in the hope of clarifying and more clearly defining ILP.
The following chapter contextualises ILP within the wider
political, social and economic shifts that have influenced police
practice in the UK and other western countries, making the emer-
gence of ILP possible. Whilst the author notes that generic driving
factors underpin the presence of ILP in these countries, the unique
and inherently complex nature of each nation explains the vari-
ations in enthusiasm and implementation, whilst forming a barrier
to a unified response to ILP. Chapter 3 narrows the focus by
providing an overview of the ‘crime funnel’ and the limitations
The Police Journal, Volume 82 (2009) 187
DOI: 10.1358/pojo.2009.82.2.477
To continue reading
Request your trial