Intelligence Gathering in the Investigation of Motorcycle Gangs

• NCJ Number: 112359
• Author(s): J J David; M H Shaffer
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Paper presented at a conference, 'Motorcycle Gangs: Growing Organized Crime Threat,' Boone, North Carolina, May 1988

Annotation

Cognitive intelligence gathering provides a method for data collection and distribution that can be applied in formulating law enforcement response to outlaw motorcycle gangs such as the Pagans.

Abstract

This approach, which emphasizes knowing one's targets and their modes of operation, consists of three operations: passive, active, and proactive intelligence gathering. Each of these operations can be formulated into the creation of an informal intelligence community using results obtained from prior investigations, informant responses, documented actions of suspects under surveillance, and public documents (e.g., court or welfare records, mass media). Once gathered, such intelligence must be scrutinized, collated, and disseminated so it can be used in investigative decisionmaking. In each intelligence gathering phase, it is better to have too much information than too little. By gathering as much information as possible on the targets, investigators can gain insights into the gangs and their criminal activities such as gun running, drug distribution, and insurance fraud. Effective intelligence gathering leads to effective investigation and successful prosecution.