THE increase in the crime rate is alarming and the police have their work cut out in bringing it under control.

The increase in logistics and manpower is welcome and will help (”Let’s do it!” - NST, Jan 10).

The key to crime-fighting is intelligence-gathering. This is highlighted in internal police procedures.

The two basic functions of the procurement of intelligence and the apprehension and prosecution of offenders are stated in the Police Act.

The essential ingredient of intelligence-gathering is source recruitment and its subsequent handling by police officers.

Tip-offs and raw information from the public are important but they require processing and verification.

Numerous techniques and skills in this aspect are part and parcel of the repertoire of good intelligence officers. These are acquired from years of experience in handling sources.

I was once advised by a chief police officer that if you have the right intelligence, you will pick up the right people and get a sea of information on criminals and their activities.

Public co-operation is important, but the police must never be crippled if there is no one stepping forward to help in a criminal case.

This is because the public does not want to get involved in serious cases, especially those involving violent crimes, for fear of repercussions.

There are many ways sources are recruited and handled, with tight procedures which do not depend on public co-operation.

The Criminal Investigation Department, narcotics and other agencies take pride in their network of intelligence and sources to solve cases swiftly.

Intelligence-gathering is one of the factors holding up the solving of cases.

That is why the police seem to be unable to deliver on many cases.

Prevention alone is insufficient.

A revamped approach in training officers in intelligence-gathering will be required if we are to fight crime effectively.

G. SELVA, Ipoh

Source: NST – January 11, 2008