Skip to content

Intelligence

Investigation — Authorised Professional Practice

All topics

Summary

This section outlines the role of intelligence management in public order public safety (POPS) deployments. It emphasizes the need for basic command unit (BCU) and force-level intelligence structures to provide contextual information that mitigates the risk of disorder. It covers the stages of an event lifecycle where information and intelligence are critical, including pre-event planning, response, incident management, and post-event assessment. The intelligence coordinator's role includes developing strategies, managing information dissemination, and liaising with relevant authorities like the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC). Additionally, the NPoCC Strategic Intelligence and Briefing Unit (SIB) offers national intelligence and updates to support policing operations, particularly concerning low-level aggravated protests and risk assessments.

Key principles

  • 1Consider intelligence management in POPS deployments.
  • 2Establish BCU and force-level intelligence structures.
  • 3Collect and analyze intelligence throughout event lifecycle.
  • 4Appoint a bronze intelligence officer for POPS events.
  • 5Utilize the NPoCC SIB for national intelligence cooperation.

Defined terms

Public Order Public Safety (POPS)
A framework guiding police operations during public events to maintain order and ensure safety.
Basic Command Unit (BCU)
A local police unit responsible for delivering services within a specific geographical area.
Bronze Intelligence
A command role responsible for managing intelligence during an operational phase.
National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC)
A national body coordinating major incidents and providing support for policing operations.
Strategic Intelligence and Briefing Unit (SIB)
A unit within NPoCC providing national intelligence updates and assessments.
Forward Intelligence Team (FIT)
Specialized police unit involved in the intelligence gathering for public order events.
Strategic Risk Assessment (SRA)
A comprehensive assessment to identify potential risks associated with specific groups or events.

This is a brief, factual summary. The full APP guidance — including operational detail, statutory references and case studies — lives on the College of Policing website. APP is the authoritative source for UK policing practice.

Read the full APP guidance

Source: College of Policing — Authorised Professional Practice · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-27.