Criminal intelligence analyst
Analyse data to spot patterns and networks of criminal activity and plan ways to tackle and stop crime.
About the job
What it's like
You would analyse data to spot patterns and networks of criminal activity and plan ways to tackle and stop crime.
You would:
Collect information from local, national and international computer systems
Update intelligence records in databases
Analyse data using specialist software
Build up a picture of crime clusters in an area (problem profiling)
Monitor the behaviour of suspect individuals or groups (targeted profiling)
Be a witness during court proceedings
Police forces and security agencies will use this information to
Understand how patterns of criminal activity are linked
Target individuals and their networks
Tackle trends in particular crimes, for example fraud, drug smuggling or vehicle theft
Plan initiatives to reduce future offending
You’d use the data to help managers plan how to use their resources (tactical assessment). You’d also review how effective the analysis is and recommend changes where necessary.
It’s a job where you’d need to build up relationships with people working in different departments in the police service and other agencies. You’d have access to a lot of confidential information so you’d need to respect and understand data security.
As a senior analyst, you may provide specialist advice and assess trends to help managers decide on future priorities (strategic assessment).
Hours
You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week.
Environment
You would be based at an office.
Travel
You would have to travel to attend meetings or court hearings. You may need a driving licence for some jobs.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- intelligence analysis
- sas (software)
- sql (programming language)
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- time management
- sorting
- filtering
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Computing Science
Modern Studies
Politics
Entry requirements vary. You will need to check exact entry requirements with the police service or government department that you want to apply to.
Employers usually ask for qualifications at SCQF level 5 or above, or relevant work-based experience in data and information work.
You will need qualifications and/or relevant experience that demonstrate online research and investigative skills, confidence with office computer programs like databases, spreadsheets, word processing and presentation software and an understanding of legislation such as data protection.
Administrative, ICT or Legal Service qualifications such as the:
European Computer Driving License (ECDL)
Computer Literacy and Information technologies (CLAiT)
An understanding of law enforcement organisations and the National Intelligence Model (NIM) may be of value.
Applications will include some background checks and you usually need to prove that you:
are over 18 years old
are a British citizen
and have lived in the UK for 10 years
You may also be assessed on your honesty, integrity, discretion and reliability.
You may need a full driving licence and use of a vehicle for some jobs.
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