Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Detective Kevin Stafford didn’t plan to stay in local law enforcement when he became a sworn officer. That changed when he discovered the department’s 30+ specialized units offered him opportunities to apply his military intelligence background in a setting that offered challenge, consistency and valuable connections.
As members of the Criminal Intelligence Division, Detective Stafford and his team help amplify CMPD officers’ efforts to keep Charlotte residents safe. Read on to see how he got here, the skills and training needed to work in intelligence, and his advice for sworn officers looking to make the leap to this specialized unit after at least two to three years of critical experience on patrol.
Tell us about a typical day or week in CMPD’s Criminal Intelligence Division.
A typical day in our unit begins with reviewing reports of what happened across Charlotte overnight. At the same time, we review news and current events from around the region, state and country, and follow up on various support requests from other CMPD units and law enforcement agencies. We spend most of our time maintaining situational awareness for the department on any trends, issues or events that we assess and determine will impact public safety within CMPD’s jurisdiction.
Why did you choose to join the Intel Unit?
I have always had an interest in intelligence work. My background in military intelligence made me a natural fit for applying the same fundamentals of the intelligence cycle to criminal intelligence. I am a very inquisitive person by nature and this work allows me to dig deep into issues and topics in a way that is not possible in a lot of other areas.
What do you enjoy most about your work as part of this team?
I enjoy the variety of work our unit does each day, and the people with whom I work. I have been very fortunate to work for a lot of excellent leaders and with wonderful coworkers who make this job something I look forward to doing.
What strengths or skills make someone a good candidate for criminal intelligence work?
We look for qualities like being a self-starter, tech/social media-savvy, creative, flexible, and willing to learn new methods and processes.
What additional training, education or certifications are required?
Members of the Criminal Intelligence Unit develop and hone skills in open-source intelligence, report writing, investigations, interviews and interrogations, organized crime, cyber crime, threat assessments, mental health awareness, physical security assessments and more.
What was your path to this unit? What law enforcement roles did you hold previously?
I spent five years on patrol in CMPD’s North Tryon Division prior to applying for a position in the Intelligence Unit. I leveraged my military intelligence background to enhance my appeal as a candidate for this position.
What drew you to work for CMPD, specifically?
I first joined CMPD with the intention of getting experience and then moving over to federal law enforcement. However, I found over time that I enjoyed the work, consistency, professionalism and local connections at CMPD, and decided to make a career out of it.
What’s the most common misconception people have about what you do?
I think there is a misconception that we have access to some secretive systems or other fancy tools. But most of what we provide comes from being curious and digging deep into the subject in question.
What do you wish more people knew about your expertise?
We are a force multiplier with a wide range of resources, contacts and expertise.
What is the most rewarding part of working in CMPD’s Criminal Intelligence Division?
It’s very rewarding to see your work and recommendations to Command positively impact people’s lives.
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in a specialized unit?
Figure out where you want to go in your career and then chart a path to get there. Bloom where you are planted. Develop a reputation as a hard worker. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn a new skill or master an existing skill.
Learn more about CMPD’s specialized units in our previous Q&As with detectives and leadership from the department’s Domestic Violence, Homicide and Real Time Crime units.
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