Who should gather this data?

BCU level analysts are a good idea, but only where they support sufficient capacity at force level. Having a detailed BCU level network analysis that is not linked above it to persons operating cross force, is pointless. If there are funding streams available only at BCU and not force level then there should be consideration of top-slicing these at BCU level, by those responsible at this level for their management, to fund force level analysts.

Local prioritisation is a good thing and it is useful that this capacity exists at that level. However it has to work in a context, which means a supporting force wide structure. This is not just politics, but good policing. Whoever employs the analyst they will have to liase extensively with non-police agencies using the agreed protocols for sharing of information.