Evaluation of Border Intelligence Program Reveals Need for Enhanced Training and Analytical Tools
Better training and information-processing tools are essential to support the intelligence program at Canada’s border agency in combating firearms smuggling to human trafficking, according to an internal evaluation.
The recent Canada Border Services Agency evaluation report highlighted the challenge of the sensitive nature of activities and the lack of data, making it hard to evaluate the program’s efficiency fully.
The intelligence program focuses on gathering and analyzing intelligence related to drug trafficking, gun smuggling, immigration fraud, human smuggling, human trafficking, and preventing entry into Canada on national security or war crimes grounds.
The evaluation conducted between March 2021 and March 2022 identified a lack of adequate training for intelligence analysts and officers. The report indicated that insufficient training availability was a significant issue.
Core training has been primarily offered by external providers like the Privy Council Office and the Canadian Police College, leading to potential risks for the agency in terms of liability and employee performance.
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There was also an identified lack of technological capabilities essential for efficient operations within the program.
Employees mentioned challenges in accessing and consolidating data from various sources, along with a shortage of tools for data analytics.
The program lacked basic tools for regional employees to carry out analyses, investigations, and access the agency’s secure network.
The evaluation recommended advanced tools to enhance data integration, processing, reporting, and sharing to improve efficiency in producing intelligence products.
While the program was acknowledged for disrupting criminal activities, there was no established method to measure its extent or impact, although stakeholders expressed satisfaction with intelligence products.
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A management action plan included in the evaluation report was not disclosed in the public version.
