Development of Intelligence-led Policing in the United States and Implications for China

Abstract

By examining the background, development path, basic framework, current situation, advantages, and disadvantages of intelligence-led policing in the United States, this study aims to provide reference for the top-level design, development, and improvement of intelligence-led policing in China. Through the use of normative analysis, comparative law, and case analysis methods, along with an analysis of the law enforcement context in the United States at that time, the principles, network structure, operational processes, and performance evaluation mechanisms of intelligence-led policing are analyzed. Based on this analysis, the characteristics and existing issues of intelligence-led policing are summarized. In the 1980s, the United States witnessed a rapid growth in three major categories of crime: cybercrime, terrorism, and organized transnational crime. The passive reactive law enforcement approach based on territorial jurisdiction revealed its limitations in responding to such crime trends. Driven by external pressures and internal demands, U.S. law enforcement agencies began to prioritize the development of proactive and efficient intelligence-led policing. After several decades of exploration, they have established an effective experiential model at both strategic and tactical levels. By drawing from their experience, China has the potential to elevate intelligence-led policing to a higher level, leveraging its own previous innovative experiences, the advantage of scale, and the unity and coordination within the three major intelligence sources systems.

Keywords: intelligence-led policing; policing model; development path; police reform

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/133-03

Publication date:June 30^th 2023