HUMINT

Description:

HUMINT is the acronym for Human Intelligence. HUMINT trained 'agent handlers' mainly focus on gaining sensitive information from human sources, otherwise known as spies or agents. HUMINT operatives or agent handlers require training in psychology, interviewing/elicitation techniques, surveillance, counter-surveillance, and influence. HUMINT operations are conducted by all manner of organizations including police forces, foreign intelligence services, security services, private security companies, criminal gangs, and news media.

PRIMAL Assessment:

HUMINT is necessary when more technical mean of intelligence gathering are not possible, however intelligence analysts always need to try to corroborate it with other reports. A key limitation is that it takes time to develop a HUMINT network and evaluate sources so for a short notice operation PRIMAL will generally rely more on technical collection.