Do agencies like CISA exist in other provinces?

Are there any employment opportunities at CISA?

Who does CISA report and answer to?

If I have information on organized or serious criminal activity, how can I forward it to CISA?

Is CISA part of Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)?

What is criminal intelligence?

What is the difference between strategic intelligence and tactical or operation intelligence and/or analysis?

1. Do agencies like CISA exist in other provinces?

Yes. CISA is one of 10 provincial bureaus that make up Criminal Intelligence Service Canada (CISC). CISC provides the facilities to unite the criminal intelligence units of Canadian law enforcement agencies in the fight against the spread of organized crime in Canada. CISC is made up of a central bureau located in Ottawa and a system of 10 provincial bureaus in each province. CISA serves the Northwest Territories and the nearest provincial bureau to the south serves Yukon and Nunavut. Visit CISC online for more information.

2. Are there any employment opportunities at CISA?

CISA normally seconds personnel from member agencies for two or three years, with renewable terms. On the rare occasion when positions cannot be filled by this method, an open competition is held; however, because of the nature of the work, previous police experience is normally a requirement.

3. Who does CISA report and answer to?

The Director of CISA is accountable to the CISA Executive Committee and the ALERT Director of Intelligence for administrative and operational initiatives, and financial expenditures. The CISA Executive Committee is made up of the Chiefs of Police from Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, and the Commanding Officer of 'K' Division. CISA reports to ALERT on a quarterly basis to measure our performance as it relates to the ALERT mandate and goals with respect to combating organized and serious crime.

4. If I have information on organized or serious criminal activity, how can I forward it to CISA?

CISA is not a first responder agency and therefore not equipped to handle information directly from the public. In the event of an emergency, you should phone 911. If your matter is not of an emergent nature and you simply wish to pass on information, contact your local police agency or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. If the information is of interest to CISA, the police agency will forward it to us.

5. Is CISA part of Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)?

No. CSIS is a federal government agency dedicated to protecting the national security interests of Canada and safeguarding its citizens. The main objective of CSIS is to investigate and report on threats to the security of Canada, an objective that it pursues while respecting the law and protecting human rights. Find more information on the CSIS website. CISA exists as a centre of excellence to support the efforts of law enforcement and federal, provincial and municipal governments in the battle against organized crime in Alberta. CISA has many member agencies and CSIS is one of them.

6. What is criminal intelligence?

Criminal intelligence is a process involving the collection, analysis and dissemination of information on suspected criminals and/or organizations. Criminal intelligence provides information that allows law enforcement authorities to establish a proactive response to crime and to identify and understand criminal groups operating in their areas. Once criminal groups are identified and their habits known, law enforcement authorities may begin to assess current trends in crime and forecast and possibly prevent future criminal activities. Intelligence provides the knowledge on which to base decisions and select appropriate targets for investigation.

7. What is the difference between strategic intelligence and tactical or operation intelligence and/or analysis?

Strategic intelligence and analysis provides senior police executives with an overview of the threat or risk posed by various criminal networks and their activities, which helps in the development of operational priorities. It also provides the foundation for trend forecasting and recommending policy, program or legislative change. Tactical or operation intelligence and analysis focuses on specific individuals, groups or criminal activities. It provides operational managers with information that allows for the prioritization of investigative avenues and the effective use of human and financial resources during a specific investigation.