Analyst Support

Analyst Support is a critical component of military service, where qualified personnel serve as analysts, adhering to federal, state, and local laws governing criminal evidence and the information handling policies and procedures of the supported agency. The role of these analysts is to ensure compliance with applicable privacy laws and safeguard the rights of U.S. persons. It's important to note that law enforcement criminal information is not processed or stored on Department of Defense (DoD) systems.

The core competencies of analyst support encompass various areas, including document and digital media exploitation analysis, link analysis, and financial analysis. Analysts are authorized to process, categorize, and evaluate criminal information within the immediate scope of the supported law enforcement investigation, specifically in support of law enforcement counterdrug (CD) activities. Their support includes the development of various analytical products, such as graphs, charts, maps, and communications analysis of subjects under ongoing CD investigations.

1. Supported law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are responsible for obtaining the necessary legal authorizations and warrants to permit information handling. This responsibility is clearly defined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or LEA support request. This document remains on file for at least two years following the completion of CD support to the respective LEA.

2. Analysts are allowed to conduct post-collection analysis of seized documents and digital media to preserve digital evidence. However, preliminary searches or examinations of digital media are the responsibility of LEA officials. The scope of digital forensic examinations is limited to information authorized by a warrant in accordance with the law.

3. National Guard (NG) analysts are not authorized to maintain computerized data banks related to individuals or organizations unaffiliated with the DoD unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense or a designee.

4. Analysts analyze documents within the case evidence assigned to them and after authorized seizure by an LEA. They may analyze publicly available information on authorized law enforcement systems but only concerning subjects and targets of a criminal investigation in support of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

5. Digital imaging tools purchased with DoD CD funds can be used to create digital copies for the supported law enforcement agency. However, strict custody and control measures must be observed, with the device and digital data remaining with the LEA during the imaging process.

6. Analysts also contribute to mapping and imagery analysis, employing geographic information systems services (GIS) to provide LEA personnel with critical information about the narcotic threat, areas of narcotic activity, and LEA operations support. This GIS analysis can include the analysis and distribution of geospatial data

Overall, a National Guard Counterdrug analyst plays a critical role in gathering and analyzing data to support law enforcement agencies in their fight against drug trafficking and abuse. Their work helps identify and target individuals and organizations involved in drug-related crimes, ultimately contributing to the reduction of drug-related harm in communities.