Strategic analysts are more qualitative than forecasting tactical analysts because they base their work more on oral and written communication rather than statistics. However, both analysts may use the exact same material for entirely different purposes.
A strategic analyst is more behind-the-scenes when it comes to analysis, although they are an integral part in the investigative process. They are often brought in to help with long-term investigations; they keep all the information obtained throughout the investigation in a centralized format and location. In federal agencies, they are responsible for dealing with terrorism analysis as well.
Remember: If you analyze information and don’t share it, your work is pointless. Information should not die on your desk or in your file cabinet. Following procedures for dissemination is key and should be guided by a supervisor within your chain of command.
Strategic analysts may be asked to perform a list of tasks including link analysis, timeline analysis, telephone toll analysis and intelligence reports. They will glean intelligence information from sources they are assigned to collect from (such as police reports, recordings and confiscated communications) and will work closely with investigative staff. They may also be included in the interviewing of informants and suspects on a case.
Once all the data is collected, the strategic analyst must put it in a format designed for dissemination and be ready to offer an opinion as to the credibility of a source. Dissemination is very important in the process because it helps you weed out who can have the information you have collected and who cannot. This became a hot button issue after 9/11 when controversy arose over the dissemination of intelligence information between the CIA and the FBI. Unfortunately, analysts seem to always get caught in the middle of it all.
This course will provide the ability to explain the role of strategic analysis within investigations, recognize the importance of disseminating intelligence information and identify problems that still exist with information sharing in the law enforcement community post-9/11.