Intelligence-Led Policing: A Method Of Crime Control

Intelligence-Led Policing (ILP) is a method of crime control. It involves the collection of data on “crime and disorder”, (Newburn, T Criminology 2017 p650) which is then analysed. From the knowledge based information, decisions are made, on the best way of tackling crime and prevention, especially with limited resources. ILP fundamental purpose is to focus on known criminals and infiltrate their criminal activities. The police were under pressure to become efficient in the battle against crime, so reinventing themselves and becoming in eyes of the public “value for money” (Radcliffe, J p 26) ILP consists of 4 stages, targeting, gathering, analysis and dissemination. The use of informers in the ILP is fundamental. The audit commission report 1993 main purpose was to analysis/regulate effective policing.

What is ILP?

Firstly, targeting is the beginning of the intel process. Information is gathered on known criminals, by monitoring. The police being proactive rather than reactive are using limited resources wisely, by targeting known criminals on the databases. ILP is impacting on a small number of offenders who commit a disproportionate amount of crime, and not wasting resources on offenders who are not on the database, and you have small chance of catching. This can be seen unfair as unknown offenders are getting away with it. Through ILP the level of crime is effected in a logic and statistical manner and is seen, cost