Intelligence Officers & Analysts
Learn about this occupation – including typical duties, education required, salary and job outlook information, job boards and more.
Intelligence Analysts gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism. (O*NET Online)
In Canada...
A CSIS Intelligence Officers (IOs) main role is to collect and analyze national security-related information. IOs will be required to work at headquarters in Ottawa and across Canada throughout their careers. (CSIS)
Canadian Forces Intelligence Officers provide military intelligence support in operations, planning and decision-making. Their work has an impact on military and national security, and the political and public relations of the government. (Canadian Forces)
RCMP Criminal Intelligence Analysts work with information collected in the context of lawful investigations and ascertain validity and ensure accuracy before it is included in a threat assessment. They support public safety and tactical and strategic decisions in the four levels of RCMP policing: international, national, provincial and local. (RCMP Criminal Intelligence Program)
Crime Analysts utilize database research techniques to analytically identify, predict, and help prevent crime. By analyzing police data, they provide strategic, statistical and investigative support to regional police forces by developing ways of reducing criminal activities within specific areas. This enables police forces to identify key relationships and make faster, more accurate decisions. (WLU) Some crime analysts are civilian career professionals; others are police officers in temporary or permanent assignments (IACA).
Occupational profile
Find detailed information about the occupation, including typical duties and working conditions, in the links below:
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) - Canadian occupational descriptions
- O*NET Online - U.S. resource for occupational descriptions and information
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Jobs - information on available jobs and employment requirements
- CSIS Recruitment Videos: Intelligence Officer (IO)
- CSIS Recruitment Videos: Physical Surveillance Unit (PSU)
- Intelligence Officer - Canadian Forces career overview with video
- Defense Intelligence Analysts - overview from Government of Canada Department of National Defense
- RCMP Criminal Intelligence Program
- Article: A glimpse inside the world of an RCMP Intelligence Analyst - The Grove Examiner
- Be The One Gathering Intelligence - alumnus profile from Justice Institute of British Columbia
- What is the Day-to-Day Job of a Crime Analyst - Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU)
- What is Crime Analysis? - International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA)
- International Association of Crime Analysts: Who We Are and What We Do - JRSA Forum
- United States Federal Bureau of Investigation: Intelligence Analysts career profile
- United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - U.S. Career Opportunities
Education
U of M Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar & Catalogue outlines program admission and course requirements. Use the left menu to navigate to a specific faculty and program. To determine which degree path suits your unique occupational goals, speak with a Career Consultant. For support with course registration and academic issues, speak with an Academic Advisor.
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Labour market information
Labour market information informs users of supply and demand for specific occupations and sectors. It includes such things as salary and job outlook information. These resources support informed career decision making and job search efforts.
Resources
- Trend Analysis - Job Market Report (Winnipeg Region) - Gov. of Canada Job Bank
- Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job outlook for the U.S.
- OpportuNext - salary range and job growth prospects - Manitoba
Professional Associations
Professional associations may organize events and provide directories, job postings, career and labour market information. Student membership opportunities may also be available: engage, learn and network!
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)
- International Association of Crime Analysts
- International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts
- Justice Research & Statistics Association (U.S.)
- Association of Former Intelligence Officers (U.S.)
Directories, Industry Associations, and Sector Councils
These resources provide industry news, labour market information and a list of potential employers. Remember, there are usually multiple industries worth exploring.
- Jobs in national security & defense - list of relevant Gov. of Canada departments
- List of law enforcement agencies in Canada - Wikipedia
- List of intelligence agencies by country - Wikipedia
Job Boards
Search occupations of interest in the industry-specific job boards below to learn about skill requirements, employers, job duties and available jobs. You may also wish to search more general online job boards.
Other links
These external resources may provide you with additional information about the occupation and opportunities to build experience:
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) - U.S. Government
- Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) - Student opportunities
- Criminal Intelligence Service Canada - Government of Canada
- Article: Intelligence Matters. What does it really take to join CSIS? - Job Postings magazine
- Article: Intelligence analysts taking over leading role in spy game: CSIS chief - Canada.com
- Article: The case for a Foreign Intelligence Agency in Canada - NATO Association of Canada
- INTERPOL - The International Criminal Police Organization
- Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies
- Career Profiles: Intelligence Analyst (including Technical and Scientific) - Australian Government Department of Defence