Analyst Support

Analyst Support is a critical capability provided by the National Guard Counterdrug Program, delivering qualified personnel who support law enforcement agencies while operating in strict compliance with federal, state, and local laws. National Guard analysts adhere to the criminal evidence standards and information-handling policies of the supported agency, ensuring full compliance with applicable privacy laws and the protection of U.S. persons. Law enforcement criminal information is neither processed nor stored on Department of War systems.

Analyst core competencies include document and digital media exploitation, link analysis, financial analysis, and communications analysis. Analysts are authorized to process, categorize, and evaluate criminal information only within the defined scope of a supported counterdrug investigation. Their analytical support results in actionable products such as charts, graphs, maps, timelines, and network analyses that directly support ongoing law enforcement counterdrug operations.

Supported law enforcement agencies retain responsibility for obtaining all required legal authorities, including warrants and court orders. These responsibilities are formally documented in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or official support request, which remains on file for a minimum of two years following the conclusion of counterdrug support.

National Guard analysts may conduct post-collection analysis of lawfully seized documents and digital media to preserve evidentiary integrity. Preliminary searches, examinations, and forensic exploitation of digital media remain the responsibility of law enforcement officials. All digital forensic analysis is limited strictly to the scope authorized by a valid warrant and applicable law.

National Guard analysts are not authorized to establish or maintain independent databases on individuals or organizations unaffiliated with the Department of War unless specifically approved by the Secretary of War or a designated authority. Analysts may review publicly available information within authorized law enforcement systems, but only in direct support of an active, authorized criminal investigation.

Digital imaging tools procured with Department of War counterdrug funds may be used to create digital copies of evidence for supported law enforcement agencies. Throughout the imaging process, custody and control of both the equipment and the digital data remain with the law enforcement agency.

Analysts also provide mapping and imagery support through geographic information systems (GIS), enabling law enforcement partners to better understand drug trafficking patterns, identify areas of narcotics activity, and support operational planning through geospatial analysis and data visualization.

Through disciplined analysis, strict legal compliance, and close coordination with law enforcement partners, National Guard Counterdrug analysts provide a force-multiplying capability that enhances investigations, strengthens prosecutions, and supports efforts to reduce the impact of illicit drugs on communities.