Security Intelligence: Need to Know and Need to Share

Within the security intelligence environment—locally, regionally, and on the global stage—it is important to note that:

1. Sensitive data;

2. Relevant operational information; and

3. Strategic investigative intelligence

will generally be shared, transmitted, disseminated, and passed on according to the critical principles of “the Need to Know” and “the Need to Share.” This is a practice that every seasoned intelligence professional must master.

Meanwhile, it is possible for nations, on their own, to initiate and conclude crime-related investigations without the ordinary or compulsory assistance of their regional and global counterparts.

Although global cooperation, coordination, and horizontal communication can be highly effective in achieving desired criminal investigation outcomes in a timely manner, acting independently can also produce the required results—particularly in situations involving classified or highly sensitive information.

In such circumstances, acting independently may provide an additional basis for protecting and safeguarding privacy, national security, sensitive intelligence, and the integrity of national institutions and interests.

Thank you very much.

Richard Kumadoe
Security Intelligence Consultant