Human intelligence (intelligence gathering)

Human intelligence is intelligence-gathering by means of human sources and interpersonal communication. It is distinct from more technical intelligence-gathering disciplines, such as signals intelligence, imagery intelligence and measurement and signature intelligence. HUMINT can be conducted in a variety of ways, including via espionage, reconnaissance, interrogation, and witness interviews. Although associated with military and intelligence agencies, HUMINT can also apply in various civilian sectors such as law enforcement.

Overview

defines HUMINT as "a category of intelligence derived from information collected and provided by human sources." A typical HUMINT activity consists of interrogations and conversations with persons having access to information.
As the name suggests, human intelligence is mostly collected by people and is commonly provided via espionage or some other form of covert surveillance. However, there are also overt methods of collection, such as via interrogation of subjects or simply through interviews.
The manner in which HUMINT operations are conducted is dictated by both official protocol and the nature of the source of the information. Within the context of the United States Armed Forces' military intelligence, HUMINT activity may involve clandestine activities; however, these operations are more closely associated with CIA projects. Both counterintelligence and HUMINT include clandestine human intelligence and its associated operational techniques.

Notable examples

Oleg Penkovsky was a Soviet GRU colonel who served as a source to the United Kingdom and the United States by informing them of the precise knowledge necessary to address rapidly developing military tensions with the Soviet Union.