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Crime and Intelligence Analysis: Human Intelligence (HUMINT)

This research guide contains information-- both current and historical--on the topic of intelligence. Areas covered include intelligence collection, the intelligence cycle, and also topics such as counterintelligence and cyber intelligence.

Human Intelligence (HUMINT)

Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is intelligence gathered by means of interpersonal contact, a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources. 

(NATO Glossary of Terms)


Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is the collection of information from human sources. The collection may be done openly, as when FBI agents interview witnesses or suspects, or it may be done through clandestine or covert means (espionage). Within the United States, HUMINT collection is the FBI’s responsibility. Beyond U.S. borders, HUMINT is generally collected by the CIA, but also by other U.S. components abroad. Although HUMINT is an important collection discipline for the FBI, we also collect intelligence through other methods, including SIGINT, MASINT, and OSINT.

https://www.fbi.gov/about/leadership-and-structure/intelligence-branch


Collection includes clandestine acquisition of photography, documents, and other material; overt collection by personnel in diplomatic and consular posts; debriefing of foreign nationals and US citizens who travel abroad; and official contacts with foreign governments. 

www.intelligence.gov

Online Resources

Ackerman, R. K.  (2006, October).  Defense HUMINT needs technology, too.  SIGNAL Magazine.  Link to source


Brannon, R. B.  (2002, June).  Human Intelligence.  Seminar on Intelligence, Command, and Control.  Boston, MA, United States.  Link to source


Caruso, R.  (2014, September 8).  The US needs better HUMINT to beat Isis.  Business Insider.  Link to source


Costa, C. P.  (2006).  Phoenix rises again: HUMINT lessons for counterinsurgency operations.  Defense Technical Information Center.  Link to source


Day, D. A.  (n.d.).  The difficulties of HUMINT.  The Space Review.  Link to source


Headquarters, Department of the Army.  (2006).  Human intelligence collector operations (FM 34-52).  Link to source


In the absence of HUMINT. (2013, July 31).  The Washington Times.  Link to source


Nygaard, R. L.  (2014).  How can human intelligence enhance collection in an era of un-manned technology and reduced personnel (Master's thesis, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College).  Defense Technical Information Center.  Link to source


Richelson, J. T. (2015, July 6).  The Pentagon's spies.  The National Security Archive, George Washington University.  Link to source


Sano, J. (2015, Fall/Winter). The changing shape of HUMINT.  The Intelligencer, 21(3), 77-80.  Link to source