Exploring International Law Enforcement Information Exchange
Lead Research Organisation:
Edge Hill University
Department Name: Law & Criminology
Abstract
Criminals are benefitting from globalisation without the constraints experienced by law enforcement. To successfully tackle transnational crime, cross-border cooperation is a necessity with the support of an effective mechanism to disseminate information internationally. Information sharing and multi-agency working are integral to preventative and proactive strategies, however, despite calls to share criminal information across borders and evidence of positive outcomes, formal and informal intelligence sharing alliances, and co-ordinated international policing operations, limitations to effectively engage in this process remain. Law enforcement cannot rely on 20th century technology and methods to effectively police the 21st century. Despite billions of pounds being spent across developed countries to improve co-ordinated intelligence responses, there has been no independent analysis as to what works. To meet the demand generated by global offending, an effective solution requires a joined-up approach.
In 2003, the Bichard Inquiry was launched following the tragic murder of two young girls in the UK. Failures in the information exchange process prevented forces sharing details about the offender's criminal history. The Police National Database (PND), a national information management system, was launched following a recommendation of the Inquiry, enabling multi-agency sharing of local information on a national-scale, allowing investigators to see the full picture of an individual. Whilst the benefits of the PND are evident, research identified limitations associated with a reluctance to share information, a lack of governance, a resistance to business change and confusing legislation. The developers of the PND are working with the international criminal justice sector to create a similar mechanism, 'CGI iD360', marking a significant turning point for international law enforcement agencies.
This project aims to critically assess how information can be effectively exchanged between law enforcement agencies globally, by identifying the crucial underlying factors, specifically in relation to serious organised crime, human trafficking and modern slavery investigations. A mixed methods approach is proposed with participants from the Five Eyes community, including primary data collection via surveys, interviews and multi-agency workshops, and secondary data from law enforcement agencies, which will be examined via quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques. The research will be conducted in collaboration with business, academia and law enforcement, both nationally and internationally, to enable actionable outcomes that will have transnational impact for practice, policy and research. The development of conclusive evidence-based guidance on information exchange practice for law enforcement practitioners and policy makers presents an accessible and informed knowledge base to prevent failures in information exchange, and subsequent safeguarding, from reoccurring. This project will revolutionise the international landscape of information exchange in law enforcement, with significant benefits to practitioners, policy makers, governments, technology developers, the general public and academics.
In 2003, the Bichard Inquiry was launched following the tragic murder of two young girls in the UK. Failures in the information exchange process prevented forces sharing details about the offender's criminal history. The Police National Database (PND), a national information management system, was launched following a recommendation of the Inquiry, enabling multi-agency sharing of local information on a national-scale, allowing investigators to see the full picture of an individual. Whilst the benefits of the PND are evident, research identified limitations associated with a reluctance to share information, a lack of governance, a resistance to business change and confusing legislation. The developers of the PND are working with the international criminal justice sector to create a similar mechanism, 'CGI iD360', marking a significant turning point for international law enforcement agencies.
This project aims to critically assess how information can be effectively exchanged between law enforcement agencies globally, by identifying the crucial underlying factors, specifically in relation to serious organised crime, human trafficking and modern slavery investigations. A mixed methods approach is proposed with participants from the Five Eyes community, including primary data collection via surveys, interviews and multi-agency workshops, and secondary data from law enforcement agencies, which will be examined via quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques. The research will be conducted in collaboration with business, academia and law enforcement, both nationally and internationally, to enable actionable outcomes that will have transnational impact for practice, policy and research. The development of conclusive evidence-based guidance on information exchange practice for law enforcement practitioners and policy makers presents an accessible and informed knowledge base to prevent failures in information exchange, and subsequent safeguarding, from reoccurring. This project will revolutionise the international landscape of information exchange in law enforcement, with significant benefits to practitioners, policy makers, governments, technology developers, the general public and academics.
Organisations
- Edge Hill University (Fellow, Lead Research Organisation)
- Suffolk Constabulary Police (Project Partner)
- Royal United Services Institute (Project Partner)
- Western University (Project Partner)
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice (Project Partner)
- CGI Global (Project Partner)
- Lancaster University (Project Partner)
- Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforce Stud (Project Partner)
Publications
Phythian R
(2024)
Understanding how law enforcement agencies share information in an intelligence-led environment: how operational context influences different approaches
in Policing: An International Journal
Description | Based on data collected thus far, the research found that information sharing occurs in various ways, with specific contexts more facilitative than others. Four approaches to information sharing, used with various levels of frequency, were identified and confirmed by professionals in intelligence-related roles in UK law enforcement and partner agencies [details restricted pending publication]. |
Exploitation Route | Categorising a complex information sharing process in such a way aids in understanding and demystifies the process for practitioners, policy makers and researchers (in law enforcement and related fields), allowing barriers to be more readily tackled in a much more cost-effective manner. |
Sectors | Government, Democracy and Justice,Other |
Description | Animal Intelligence Managers (AIM) Board (March 2023) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
Results and Impact | PI delivered an input at the March 2023 meeting (to 12 attendees representing 9 agencies). This resulted in further opportunities (i.e. an invitation to a House of Commons roundtable event) and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Australia and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC) Conference (Darwin, Dec 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | PI presented at the ANZSOC Conference held in Darwin, Australia. Due to extenuating circumstances, in-person attendance was altered to a pre-recorded video of the presentation. This promoted the current research, initiated further opportunities, and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Edge Hill University Institute of Social Responsibility Research Training Series (April 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | As part of Edge Hill University's Institute of Social Responsibility (ISR) Research Training Series, the PI delivered an input about the UKRI FLF during a session with Professor Jo Crotty (Director of ISR), 'How to Win a Grant'. Colleagues from across the university (approx. 10) attended. This resulted in further contact about funding and the FLF. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | FBI National Academy Event (US Embassy, London, Dec 2021) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | PI and project consultant presented at a FBI National Academy event held at the US Embassy in London, UK. Approx. 15 in attendance. Invitations limited to FBI National Academy graduates. This initiated discussions with attendees, further research opportunities (i.e. recruited interview participants) and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) Executive Board (April 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | PI delivered an input at the April 2022 meeting to 16 attendees representing 9 agencies. This resulted in further research opportunities (i.e. recruited interview participants) and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | NPCC National Intelligence Conference (Leicester, June 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | PI and project consultant presented at the NPCC National Intelligence Conference held Leicester, UK. Over 150 intelligence professionals in attendance. This initiated discussions with delegates, data collection (via Sli.Do), further research opportunities (i.e. recruited interview participants), and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | NPCC National Intelligence Portfolio (NIP) Board (January 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | PI delivered an input at the January 2022 meeting (to 34 attendees representing 20+ agencies). This resulted in further research opportunities (i.e. recruited interview participants) and extended the project network. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | National Analyst Capability Board (NACB) Newsletter (April 2022) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The National Analyst Capability Board (NACB) Newsletter, distributed amongst the analyst community, included a feature about the project. This resulted in contact from practitioners interested in hearing more about the research and from those who were interested in participating (subsequent research interviews were arranged). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) National Intelligence Portfolio (NIP) Board |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | The NPCC NIP Board takes place every few months. Approx. 70 professionals are on the current mailing list. Membership of the NIP has resulted in further research opportunities (i.e. recruited interview participants), extended the project network and an invitation to present at the NPCC National Intelligence conference (June 2022). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |