Law Enforcement

This course introduces analysts to the broader concepts of connecting the dots through link analysis. A critical portion of conducting a successful analytical investigation is the ability to link together and understand the complexities of the connectedness between people and organizations. Introduction to Link Analysis (ILA) expands on the basic principles of link and association analyses explored in the Foundations of Intelligence Analysis Training (FIAT) while building a framework for more advanced methods such as social network analysis.

Expanding basic knowledge of link and association analysis
Explaining the process of social network analysis
Understanding the visual mapping and mathematical components associated with link and social network analyses

This course addresses key objectives focused on training intelligence analysts working at or towards the intermediate-level (practitioner and/or experienced analyst). This course expands upon core analytic fundamentals covered in NW3C's FIAT, ISIA, and IWAB offerings. The course begins with an in-depth case study to illustrate the complexities and challenges of a major case scenario for intelligence analysts. The course then examines key concepts related to analytic thinking, cognitive biases, structured analytic techniques, and effective time and project management. Finally, the course concludes with a section on addressing analytic uncertainty in intelligence writing. With guidance from experienced experts, students gain hands-on experience in the course with a complex practical case scenario that will challenge students on both days of the course.

Key concepts covered in this course include:
*Identifying cognitive biases
*Structured analytic techniques
*Project and time management
*Conveying uncertainty in intelligence writing

This course promotes a multi-agency approach to the problem of financial exploitation of senior citizens. Bringing together law enforcement personnel and adult protective services investigators, the course enhances students investigative skills and interviewing techniques while facilitating networking and cooperation that can extend out of the classroom and into real cases. Topics include recognizing elder abuse, working with victims, identifying perpetrators, and resources for investigation and community awareness. Students work together to conduct a mock investigation into a hypothetical case.

*Financial investigation basics. What constitutes elder abuse? Family and trusted persons as perpetrators. Statutes and sentencing enhancements.
*Senior victims. Reasons for vulnerability. Special needs like Alzheimers or dementia.
*Resources. Community awareness and investigative resources.
*Hands-on experience. Work a case as part of an investigative team.

This course covers basic intelligence writing and briefing principles as well as methods for effective and clear intelligence sharing. Topics covered include creative and critical thinking, critical reading skills, source evaluation, privacy and civil rights, intelligence writing style and structure, and generating and presenting intelligence briefings. With guidance from experienced experts, students gain hands-on experience by working through data sets based on real cases to produce intelligence products. Instructors and peers provide feedback on briefings and reports produced and presented in class.

*Foundational skills. Creative thinking. Critical thinking. Critical reading.
*Information sources. Identify sources of intelligence information. Evaluate sources for validity and reliability.
*Analytical reports. Develop a structured and actionable analytical report based on a data set given in class.
*Privacy considerations. Ensure protection of privacy and civil rights while producing intelligence products.
*Briefings. Construct and deliver an intelligence briefing based on a data set given in class.