Index > research > sleipnir
The Sleipnir technique provides intelligence analysts working on organized crime groups with a comprehensive and transparent method to assist in developing and presenting recommendations and supporting intelligence in a concise manner. This framework is not intended to produce a matrix which stands in isolation, but to be fleshed out in the context of a strategic analytical assessment which explains the details and significance of the comparisons. The attribute set serves as a skeleton of the collection plan for the assessment, and the matrix as a clear illustration of the rankings and of the reasons behind the judgments.
Sleipnir is a two-stage process. First, a weighting for various organized crime group characteristics is established. Second, investigators assess the capacity of various OC groups against the (currently 12) characteristics and these capacity estimates are weighted according to the values established in the first stage. This then generates an overall score, allowing Sleipnir to provide a framework for conducting rigorous analyses of organized crime groups' capabilities. That being said, it doesn't provide simple answers regarding which groups to target. An organized crime group may rank highly on many factors, thus being very successful, but may only be involved in art and antiquities theft. A less successful group may still take precedence if they are involved in sex trafficking or peddling in drugs or child pornography.
Like all analytical tools, it is beholden on the analyst to understand the benefits and limitations of any structured thinking process.
Further details will be forthcoming.
In the meantime, here is a declassified version of the Sleipnir methodological process, kindly made available by the RCMP. My thanks to Steve Strang and Dave Bartlett from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for providing access to this document.
