Howard Atkin

4 Last checked 19 August 2022

52 Google Scholar Citations

An experienced former UK Police Detective with more than 38 years involvement in all aspects of complex criminal investigation, intelligence and analysis, Howard has designed and delivered training and support to over half the UK Police Forces, National and International bodies and the private sector, including personnel and agencies from over 30 countries worldwide.

He helped develop the UK’s standard National Intelligence Analysis Training Course, the first ‘Criminal Intelligence Analysis’ masters degree programme in the world, and established the first library dedicated to Criminal Intelligence Analysis.

A contributor to key international intelligence initiatives, he has been recognized as an international expert on intelligence analysis by the United Nations Drug Control Programme and by the Council of Europe, for whom his work was chosen for their crime analysis best practice guide.

He served with the UK’s National Crime Squad, and established and headed the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Intelligence Unit, responsible for cross-border serious organized crime.

Involved in developing the UK’s Organised Crime Group Mapping system, he also supported ACPO working groups on Drugs, Intelligence, Homicide, Training, Communications Data and Cybercrime.

Responsible for reviewing current homicide cases, and for investigating 42 ‘cold case’ Homicides and 3000+ Serious Sexual Offences, he delivered a 100% conviction success rate, and was latterly responsible for transformational change in Crime Investigation.

A strong supporter of innovation and partnership working between law enforcement and the public/private/academic sectors, Howard also serves in a range of voluntary executive positions with key Academic and Professional bodies. and author, keynote speaker, lecturer and consultant for Policing projects and development programmes globally.

• Subject Matter Expert in Criminal Intelligence Analysis
• Council of Europe

1) Evaluating the significance and contribution of negative or ‘absent’ data, and gaps in data sampling (as against extant, ‘positive’ data routinely gathered) to databases designed or used to facilitate understanding patterns of criminal choice and target selection in support of Evidence-Based Policing and Crime Prevention responses.

2) Assessing the potential significance and contribution of novel data attributes, dimensions and frameworks to crime-related data as a method to identify and highlight patterns in data designed or used to facilitate understanding in support of Evidence-Based Policing and Crime Prevention responses.

3) Developing efficient processes for prioritising 'Cold Case' Homicide Investigation/Reinvestigation.

4) Preservation of investigative material and its evidential continuity to better support subsequent review and reinvestigation of Homicide and related major crime.

5) Understanding the impact of individual and organisational decision-making in processes of Homicide/Major Crime Investigation.