FAQs
For further information about the NIM please see FAQs.
What is the Guidance on the National Intelligence Model?
The Guidance provides the required practical detail to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice on the NIM.
How does the Guidance relate to other NIM publications?
The Guidance is supporting material for the Code of Practice on NIM which was produced in January 2005. It provides more detail on how the code should be applied. The Guidance is further supported by the following series of Practice Advice that give further detail on specific subject matter:
- ACPO (2008) Practice Advice on Analysis
- ACPO (2008) Practice Advice on the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (Restricted)
- ACPO (2007) Practice Advice on the Introduction to Intelligence Led Policing
- ACPO (2007) Practice Advice on Resources and the People Assets of the NIM
- ACPO (2006) Guidance on the National Briefing Model
- ACPO (2006) Practice Advice on Tasking and Co-ordination
How does the Guidance relate to previous literature about the NIM?
The NIM was introduced in 2000 by the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) who produced several documents to support implementation. This included the "Blue Book". They also produced NIM Minimum Standards two, which are the standards against which all forces are assessed. The Guidance on the NIM is based on all previous publications and incorporates Minimum Standards two, but has been updated so it is relevant to the present policing environment. The Guidance on the NIM should be used by forces as their primary reference document on NIM.
The Guidance refers to training for staff involved in the NIM process. What training is available?
NPIA have included NIM as part of their standard modules for ILDP, CLDP, SLDP and the SCC. Updates to the module content will be made as the NIM material is developed. Training for those in intelligence roles is available through NPIA Intelligence Training. This covers the role of the analyst and intelligence manager specifically. NIM is also covered where relevant to other courses.
I've heard people talking about corporate memory in relation to NIM. What does this mean?
Corporate memory is another way of talking about organisational memory. Organisational memory is the captured knowledge of the organisation which is managed and made available to staff. It will include information about processes, procedures, effective practice and results of previous operational activity. Organisational memory should be searchable and accessible.
What is the legal status of the Guidance?
In legal terms there are three hierarchical levels in relation to legal status. At the top are Acts of Parliament, followed by Regulation and then Code. The Guidance provides the detail to give "life" to the code to enable the code to be transformed into action. The Guidance is commissioned by ACPO on behalf of the police service to enable the code to be applied in practice.
Do forces have to comply with the Guidance?
The Guidance is produced on behalf of the police service, commissioned by ACPO it requires Chief Officers to have regard to the Guidance.
How will compliance with the Guidance be measured?
The NPIA Implementation Team have visited every force in England and Wales to measure their compliance. Forces should be in possession of the subsequent report and have created an action plan to ensure their future compliance. Compliance will continue to be measured by HMIC during their baseline assessment of forces.
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