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| Copyright © 2006 - 2009 - Barry M. Baker - CareerPoliceOfficer.com |
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Imagery intelligence (IMINT) is one of several intelligence collection disciplines used by the U.S.
Intelligence Community to gather information on foreign targets. Specifically, IMINT involves the
capture of data from reconnaissance satellites and aerial photography. IMINT, when used in
conjunction with other intelligence gathering disciplines like signals intelligence (SIGINT) and
measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) provides intelligence analysts with a
comprehensive picture of the environment they are targeting.
Examples of IMINT collection techniques include use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) like the
Predator and Global Hawk. Older, well-known traditional aircraft platforms like the SR-71 and U-2
spy planes played a pivotal role in the Cold War by providing senior national policymakers with
crucial information on Soviet missiles and bombers. Highly classified satellites that provide IMINT
intelligence analysts with cutting-edge, high-resolution images are built in the United States by the
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is
responsible for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) that includes analysis of high-resolution spectral,
hyperspectral, and electro-optical IMINT and MASINT images. The NGA, formerly known as the
National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) and then the National Imagery and Mapping
Agency (NIMA), is part of the Department of Defense.
Intelligence Community to gather information on foreign targets. Specifically, IMINT involves the
capture of data from reconnaissance satellites and aerial photography. IMINT, when used in
conjunction with other intelligence gathering disciplines like signals intelligence (SIGINT) and
measurement and signature intelligence (MASINT) provides intelligence analysts with a
comprehensive picture of the environment they are targeting.
Examples of IMINT collection techniques include use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) like the
Predator and Global Hawk. Older, well-known traditional aircraft platforms like the SR-71 and U-2
spy planes played a pivotal role in the Cold War by providing senior national policymakers with
crucial information on Soviet missiles and bombers. Highly classified satellites that provide IMINT
intelligence analysts with cutting-edge, high-resolution images are built in the United States by the
National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is
responsible for geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) that includes analysis of high-resolution spectral,
hyperspectral, and electro-optical IMINT and MASINT images. The NGA, formerly known as the
National Photographic Interpretation Center (NPIC) and then the National Imagery and Mapping
Agency (NIMA), is part of the Department of Defense.
| IMINT |
The U.S. Intelligence Community is organized across 16 different agencies and departments, each
with different missions, analytic competencies, and collection specialties. One of the oldest forms of
intelligence collection is human intelligence (HUMINT). HUMINT is a type of intelligence collection
discipline that involves, naturally, human operators that gather a variety of information on ‘targets’
around the world.
HUMINT is primarily a strategic, long-term collection process geared toward targets that are difficult
to penetrate using technical means, like satellites and imagery intelligence (SIGINT and IMINT).
Because of the high risks involved in living overseas as a clandestine officer, HUMINT professionals
undergo intensive and lengthy training.
In the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), since its inception in 1947, has primary
responsibility for coordination of HUMINT operations through the National Clandestine Service
(NCS). The NCS incorporates many of the duties of the former Directorate of Operations (DO) at the
CIA, which oversaw all aspects of training and tasking of HUMINT operations for the CIA. The
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) is the National HUMINT Manager and delegates
responsibility to the Director of NCS to develop and implement community-wide training and
operating protocols as well as to oversee national coordination of HUMINT operations.
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, there has been renewed focus on the important
role that HUMINT plays in collecting information on terrorist networks and other hostile non-state
actors. Consequently, calls for building up a new, robust cadre of HUMINT professionals has led to
increase investment in funding and recruiting efforts, especially for foreign language specialists and
those who have traveled extensively overseas.
with different missions, analytic competencies, and collection specialties. One of the oldest forms of
intelligence collection is human intelligence (HUMINT). HUMINT is a type of intelligence collection
discipline that involves, naturally, human operators that gather a variety of information on ‘targets’
around the world.
HUMINT is primarily a strategic, long-term collection process geared toward targets that are difficult
to penetrate using technical means, like satellites and imagery intelligence (SIGINT and IMINT).
Because of the high risks involved in living overseas as a clandestine officer, HUMINT professionals
undergo intensive and lengthy training.
In the United States, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), since its inception in 1947, has primary
responsibility for coordination of HUMINT operations through the National Clandestine Service
(NCS). The NCS incorporates many of the duties of the former Directorate of Operations (DO) at the
CIA, which oversaw all aspects of training and tasking of HUMINT operations for the CIA. The
Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (DCIA) is the National HUMINT Manager and delegates
responsibility to the Director of NCS to develop and implement community-wide training and
operating protocols as well as to oversee national coordination of HUMINT operations.
Since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, there has been renewed focus on the important
role that HUMINT plays in collecting information on terrorist networks and other hostile non-state
actors. Consequently, calls for building up a new, robust cadre of HUMINT professionals has led to
increase investment in funding and recruiting efforts, especially for foreign language specialists and
those who have traveled extensively overseas.
| HUMINT |
National policymakers, military commanders, and other decisionmakers rely upon a wide-range of
intelligence agencies to provide them with sensitive information to enhance their ability to make
decisions. Government leaders provide the Intelligence Community (IC) with requirements to collect
information on pressing national security issues. The IC, in turn, works with its cadre of intelligence
analysts and collectors to target that information in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) is one such technical intelligence collection
discipline by which the intelligence community can provide a range of information on pressing
national security-related issues. The Central MASINT Organization is the central hub of all MASINT
related issues and is a component of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
MASINT is principally concerned with making determinations about the physical properties of objects
using advanced high technology like electro-optical, spectral, and infrared radar, acoustic and seismic
geophysical instruments as well as materials and remote sensing. MASINT is most effective when
combined with the intelligence data derived from imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals
intelligence (SIGINT). For example, MASINT can help analysts pinpoint the types of aircraft and
missiles of foreign governments by detecting their radar or plume signatures, respectively. In
addition, MASINT examines chemical and nuclear composition of particulates in the air and water,
which is particularly effective in efforts to detect and prevent WMD terrorism and proliferation – also
known by the Intelligence Community as Counterproliferation (CP).
intelligence agencies to provide them with sensitive information to enhance their ability to make
decisions. Government leaders provide the Intelligence Community (IC) with requirements to collect
information on pressing national security issues. The IC, in turn, works with its cadre of intelligence
analysts and collectors to target that information in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Measurement and Signatures Intelligence (MASINT) is one such technical intelligence collection
discipline by which the intelligence community can provide a range of information on pressing
national security-related issues. The Central MASINT Organization is the central hub of all MASINT
related issues and is a component of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).
MASINT is principally concerned with making determinations about the physical properties of objects
using advanced high technology like electro-optical, spectral, and infrared radar, acoustic and seismic
geophysical instruments as well as materials and remote sensing. MASINT is most effective when
combined with the intelligence data derived from imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals
intelligence (SIGINT). For example, MASINT can help analysts pinpoint the types of aircraft and
missiles of foreign governments by detecting their radar or plume signatures, respectively. In
addition, MASINT examines chemical and nuclear composition of particulates in the air and water,
which is particularly effective in efforts to detect and prevent WMD terrorism and proliferation – also
known by the Intelligence Community as Counterproliferation (CP).
| MASINT |
Signals intelligence (SIGINT) is one of the primary intelligence collection disciplines used by the US
Intelligence Community to gather information about foreign intelligence and other activities.
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) involves intercepted signals from communications and electronic
emissions.
In the United States, the Department of Defense (DOD) has primary responsibility for signals
intelligence collection, processing, and analysis. The US Army Signal Corps, headquartered at Ft.
Gordon in Georgia, is the largest communications-electronics facility in the world.
As part of the US Intelligence Community (IC), the National Security Agency (NSA) is responsible
for SIGINT collection and reporting. The NSA is America’s premier cryptologic and SIGINT
intelligence agency and is both a Combat Support Agency within the DOD as well as a national
intelligence agency that reports to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
One of the key functions of a signals intelligence analyst is intelligence collection management; any
intelligence analyst must possess knowledge of the intelligence cycle and how each part within that
cycle functions and impacts other aspects of the intelligence process.
Intelligence Community to gather information about foreign intelligence and other activities.
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) involves intercepted signals from communications and electronic
emissions.
In the United States, the Department of Defense (DOD) has primary responsibility for signals
intelligence collection, processing, and analysis. The US Army Signal Corps, headquartered at Ft.
Gordon in Georgia, is the largest communications-electronics facility in the world.
As part of the US Intelligence Community (IC), the National Security Agency (NSA) is responsible
for SIGINT collection and reporting. The NSA is America’s premier cryptologic and SIGINT
intelligence agency and is both a Combat Support Agency within the DOD as well as a national
intelligence agency that reports to the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).
One of the key functions of a signals intelligence analyst is intelligence collection management; any
intelligence analyst must possess knowledge of the intelligence cycle and how each part within that
cycle functions and impacts other aspects of the intelligence process.
| SIGINT |
Information flows to intelligence analysts from a variety of intelligence disciplines including human
intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and open source intelligence (OSINT). More
emphasis has been placed on open source intelligence collection and analysis in recent years because
of the large amount of information available in the public domain thanks to the rapidly growing use
and dependency of the internet worldwide as a viable and effective medium for storing, reporting, and
sharing information. Additionally, more efficient data-retrieval and translation software programs
have enabled intelligence analysts from across the intelligence community to access data faster than
ever before.
One of the challenges for open source intelligence analysts is how to qualify and categorize the large
volume of information available – collected information is only useful if it can be identified,
catalogued and properly analyzed so that it can, in turn, be used to corroborate classified sources
and/or contribute to final or finished intelligence products. Open source intelligence analysts rely on
several approaches to analysis including pattern detection and what is known as “sense-making”,
which entails a collaborative process of questioning assumptions and collecting information from
disparate and even nontraditional sources, like opinions shared in blogs, discussion forums, and other
types of subjective content.
intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and open source intelligence (OSINT). More
emphasis has been placed on open source intelligence collection and analysis in recent years because
of the large amount of information available in the public domain thanks to the rapidly growing use
and dependency of the internet worldwide as a viable and effective medium for storing, reporting, and
sharing information. Additionally, more efficient data-retrieval and translation software programs
have enabled intelligence analysts from across the intelligence community to access data faster than
ever before.
One of the challenges for open source intelligence analysts is how to qualify and categorize the large
volume of information available – collected information is only useful if it can be identified,
catalogued and properly analyzed so that it can, in turn, be used to corroborate classified sources
and/or contribute to final or finished intelligence products. Open source intelligence analysts rely on
several approaches to analysis including pattern detection and what is known as “sense-making”,
which entails a collaborative process of questioning assumptions and collecting information from
disparate and even nontraditional sources, like opinions shared in blogs, discussion forums, and other
types of subjective content.
| OSINT |
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) –
involves people on the ground, typically
overseas, gathering information from human
sources; the National Clandestine Service
(NCS) is responsible for coordination and de-
confliction of clandestine HUMINT operations
across the Intelligence Community
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) –
involves intercepted signals from
communications and electronic emissions;
the National Security Agency (NSA) is
responsible for SIGINT collection and
reporting
Open Source Intelligence
(OSINT) – information gathered from non-
classified, non-secret sources including news
media, the Internet and commercial
databases to name a few; the Open Source
Center (OSC) in the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence (ODNI) and the
National Air and Space Intelligence Center
(NASIC) are the major collectors of open-
source intelligence
Measurement and Signature
Intelligence
(MASINT) – involves a highly technical,
multi-disciplinary approach to intelligence
collection to provide detailed characteristics
of targets including radar signatures of
aircraft and telemetry of missiles; the
Directorate for MASINT and Technical
Collection (DT) at the Defense Intelligence
Agency (DIA) is responsible for MASINT
Geospatial Intelligence
(GEOINT) – involves the collection of
information related to the earth from
imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial
information; the National Geospatial Agency
(NGA) is responsible for geospatial
intelligence collection management
Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) –
involves representation of objects reproduced
by optically or by electronic means from a
variety of sources including radar, infrared
sources and electro-optics; the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is
responsible for all imagery intelligence
collection activities
involves people on the ground, typically
overseas, gathering information from human
sources; the National Clandestine Service
(NCS) is responsible for coordination and de-
confliction of clandestine HUMINT operations
across the Intelligence Community
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) –
involves intercepted signals from
communications and electronic emissions;
the National Security Agency (NSA) is
responsible for SIGINT collection and
reporting
Open Source Intelligence
(OSINT) – information gathered from non-
classified, non-secret sources including news
media, the Internet and commercial
databases to name a few; the Open Source
Center (OSC) in the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence (ODNI) and the
National Air and Space Intelligence Center
(NASIC) are the major collectors of open-
source intelligence
Measurement and Signature
Intelligence
(MASINT) – involves a highly technical,
multi-disciplinary approach to intelligence
collection to provide detailed characteristics
of targets including radar signatures of
aircraft and telemetry of missiles; the
Directorate for MASINT and Technical
Collection (DT) at the Defense Intelligence
Agency (DIA) is responsible for MASINT
Geospatial Intelligence
(GEOINT) – involves the collection of
information related to the earth from
imagery, imagery intelligence, and geospatial
information; the National Geospatial Agency
(NGA) is responsible for geospatial
intelligence collection management
Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) –
involves representation of objects reproduced
by optically or by electronic means from a
variety of sources including radar, infrared
sources and electro-optics; the National
Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is
responsible for all imagery intelligence
collection activities
| Intelligence collection entails the science and art of gathering information from different sources and means known as the intelligence collection disciplines. Descriptions of these disciplines shown here are provided by Henley-Putnam University |
| Intelligence Collection |
As a police officer, you're going to be collecting
intelligence on a continuous basis. When you
interview victims and witnesses, interrogate suspects
or develop informants, you'll be collecting intelligence.
When you write and submit a crime report, you'll be
documenting intelligence. I use the word continuous
versus continual, because every observation you make
while patrolling or visiting the donut shop will be an
exercise in intelligence collection. Even when you're
off-duty, your mind will stay in the police mode as you
continuously process your observations.
Of course, intelligence collection can be a lot more
sophisticated than I've just described. While your
primary mission of documenting crime and catching
criminals produces a lot of information, the
intelligence value of that information is dependent
upon your department's means to collect, categorize,
analyze, and share relevant information.
The collection of criminal intelligence has been around
for a long time. Every police department has a
Criminal Intel Unit. The number of police officers
assigned to a department's Criminal Intelligence Unit
depends upon the size of the department and the
volume of criminal activity. Prior to 911, the drug
trade and other crimes associated with drug
distribution dominated the missions of criminal intel
units.
While terrorism was always on the list of things to
watch for in the criminal intel units, 911 moved
terrorism to the top of that list. Police departments
across the country have taken the treat of terrorism
seriously and now areas low in crime, but rich in
strategic or soft targets for terrorists, have become a
primary focus for criminal intelligence units.
The sophistication of a police department's criminal
intelligence effort will depend, as with all things, on the
quality of the department's leadership and its local
political support. If you've read my site in any depth,
you know how much I disdain the way many police
departments put political and personal relationships
ahead of qualifications for assignments to areas of
specialization. Criminal intelligence is not immune to
this subtle form of corruption.
As you begin your police career, you must put your
pursuit of qualifications ahead of all other
considerations. However, you need to remain
cognizant of the need to develop political and personal
relationships along the way to enhance your ability to
utilize your ongoing acquired qualifications.
Remember this if nothing else, all of the qualification
you acquire through education and experience will be
permanent while those P&P relationships can literally
disappear overnight.
intelligence on a continuous basis. When you
interview victims and witnesses, interrogate suspects
or develop informants, you'll be collecting intelligence.
When you write and submit a crime report, you'll be
documenting intelligence. I use the word continuous
versus continual, because every observation you make
while patrolling or visiting the donut shop will be an
exercise in intelligence collection. Even when you're
off-duty, your mind will stay in the police mode as you
continuously process your observations.
Of course, intelligence collection can be a lot more
sophisticated than I've just described. While your
primary mission of documenting crime and catching
criminals produces a lot of information, the
intelligence value of that information is dependent
upon your department's means to collect, categorize,
analyze, and share relevant information.
The collection of criminal intelligence has been around
for a long time. Every police department has a
Criminal Intel Unit. The number of police officers
assigned to a department's Criminal Intelligence Unit
depends upon the size of the department and the
volume of criminal activity. Prior to 911, the drug
trade and other crimes associated with drug
distribution dominated the missions of criminal intel
units.
While terrorism was always on the list of things to
watch for in the criminal intel units, 911 moved
terrorism to the top of that list. Police departments
across the country have taken the treat of terrorism
seriously and now areas low in crime, but rich in
strategic or soft targets for terrorists, have become a
primary focus for criminal intelligence units.
The sophistication of a police department's criminal
intelligence effort will depend, as with all things, on the
quality of the department's leadership and its local
political support. If you've read my site in any depth,
you know how much I disdain the way many police
departments put political and personal relationships
ahead of qualifications for assignments to areas of
specialization. Criminal intelligence is not immune to
this subtle form of corruption.
As you begin your police career, you must put your
pursuit of qualifications ahead of all other
considerations. However, you need to remain
cognizant of the need to develop political and personal
relationships along the way to enhance your ability to
utilize your ongoing acquired qualifications.
Remember this if nothing else, all of the qualification
you acquire through education and experience will be
permanent while those P&P relationships can literally
disappear overnight.
Protect
your files
your files
Protect
your identity
your identity