Clear, well-structured intelligence writing is a professional skill — not an academic exercise. For analysts and investigators, written products are often relied upon by decision-makers, operational teams, courts, and partner agencies. The quality of that writing directly affects how information is understood, acted upon, and scrutinized.

This course focuses on how intelligence is written in real investigative and analytical environments. Students learn the standards, structures, and disciplines required to produce clear, concise, and defensible intelligence products. While the course uses police intelligence and law-enforcement examples, the concepts and techniques taught are equally applicable to intelligence analysts and investigators across public and private sectors. The principles of effective intelligence writing remain consistent regardless of role or setting.

Throughout the course, students examine how intelligence writing differs from academic or general writing, with an emphasis on audience awareness, analytical clarity, and professional accountability. Core topics include the Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) method, active voice, disciplined grammar, inclusive language, sourcing and citation, and structured analytical reporting. The course also addresses the growing presence of AI-assisted tools, reinforcing that automation can support — but never replace — sound analytical judgment and human oversight.

By developing strong intelligence writing practices, students learn to avoid common pitfalls such as ambiguity, bias, imprecise language, and over-reliance on automated systems. The course equips participants with practical skills to communicate analysis clearly, support sound decision-making, and produce intelligence products that can withstand operational, legal, and professional scrutiny.