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Crime and Intelligence Analysis: Women in Intelligence

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.

The Role of Women in Intelligence Activity

Women have played important roles in the world of intelligence, from the first World War up to the present.  They have worked as spies, cryptologists, and more.  

Below are some books, articles, and websites on this topic, along with some information of a number of notable female intelligence officers.

Online Articles/Reports

Defense Intelligence Agency:  Women in Intelligence

Part 1               Part 2

Fox, P.  (2019, August 10).  Female spies in World War I and World War II.  ThoughtCo.  Link to source

Madeiros, V.  (2015).  British women in espionage: From heroes to housewives.  Liberated Arts: A Journal for Undergraduate Research, 1(1).  Link to source

Peterson, M. D.  (2018, August 21).  Mom reveals her secret spy life to kids.  CNN.  Link to source

Secret Agents in hoop skirts: Women spies of the Civil War.  (2020, May 20).  History Stories.  Link to source

Ziegler, M.  (2012, September 30).  Why the best spies in Mossad and the CIA are women.  Forbes.  Link to source

Some Notable Female Figures

 

(Image: www.wikipedia.com)

Elizabeth "Betty" Peet McIntosh was known for her undercover work during World War II for the OSS (forerunner of the CIA).              

 

 (Image: NY Times)

Jeanne Vertefeuille was a CIA officer who participated on a small team that investigated and uncovered the actions of Aldrich Ames, a notorious Cold War spy.

 

(Image: Dailey Mail UK)

Sandra Grimes is a twenty-six-year veteran of the CIA’s Clandestine Service who spent the majority of her career working against the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.