Difference Between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
The significant difference between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency is that Intelligence Agency does not have the power to arrest, whereas the Investigation Agency has the power to arrest. The primary responsibility of the country’s government is to protect the nation. Every country invests significantly in developing intelligence agencies that improve the country’s security system.
Difference Between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency PDF
The CIA of the United States, the KGB of Russia, the ISI of Pakistan, and the IB, NIA, and RAW of India are well-known agencies responsible for the country’s security. In this article we will explore the detailed differences between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency based on various factors.
Table of content
Difference Between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency
The key difference between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency is that the mandate to investigate offences is not given to IB but to Investigation Agency. Both agencies play a big role in safeguarding the nation. The following table focuses on the comparison between the two agencies.
Intelligence Agency vs Investigation Agency
| Difference Between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency | ||
|
Type of Agency |
Intelligence Agency |
Investigation Agency |
|
Agencies |
Intelligence Bureau (IB) Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) |
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) National Investigation Agency (NIA) |
|
Role |
Gather intelligence Research and analysis of intel Counter-intelligence Terrorist infiltration VIP security |
Carry out arrests and interrogations Can investigate any occurrence that is classified as a crime under Indian Law |
|
Power to Arrest |
Cannot arrest or interrogate |
Can carry out arrests |
|
Incidents |
Provide intel for other agencies Keep an eye on suspicious activities and people It obtains intelligence from humans, electronic devices, and covert informers. |
Government corruption Financial frauds Murders or homicides Terrorism (NIA solely works on anti-terrorism-related probes) |
|
Ways of working |
Intelligence agencies use overt and covert means to work on operations. |
Do not work covertly |
|
Workforce |
Mostly classified |
Not classified |
Intelligence and Investigation Agencies of India
Intelligence and investigation agencies both are important for a nation. Nations develop intelligence and investigation agencies to protect themselves from internal and external threats.
There is a stark Difference Between Intelligence Agency and Investigation Agency. Intelligence agencies collect intel or information while the investigation agencies take action on the information.
What is Intelligence Agency?
The Intelligence Bureau can be traced back to British rule in India. After the first war of independence in 1857, the intelligence group was formed to keep an eye on developments of revolt among the soldiers.
- It was established in 1887 as the Central Special Branch following independence.
- RAW was established in 1968 as an external research and intelligence agency.
- Some of the important intelligence agencies include the Intelligence Bureau (IB), National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID), and Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).
Investigation Agency
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are the investigation agencies. Investigation agencies like the CBI are responsible for investigating crimes and arresting people involved in unlawful activities.
The different branches of CBI include the Anti-Corruption Division, Special Crimes Division, Directorate of Prosecution, Economic Offences Division, Policy and Coordination Division, Administration Division, and Central Forensic Science Laboratory.
