Former Israeli Police Officer Warns Against Transferring Crime Intelligence to Shin Bet

Yuval Malka, a retired Israeli police officer with 30 years of experience in intelligence, investigations, and combating organized crime, criticized the decision to transfer technological intelligence gathering against criminal organizations from the police to the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). Malka argues that criminals and terrorists operate in fundamentally different ways, requiring distinct expertise. He emphasizes that intelligence is not just raw data produced by technology but requires deep knowledge of criminal slang, codes, and organizational dynamics that only the police possess.

Malka warns that splitting intelligence responsibilities between the police and Shin Bet will create bureaucratic friction, delays, and unclear accountability, ultimately weakening the police force. He stresses that the police need trust, tools, authority, and state backing to effectively fight crime, rather than having core responsibilities taken away. According to Malka, the police have advanced knowledge and professionalism unmatched internationally but are currently under-resourced.

He calls for strengthening the police by providing them with all necessary technological capabilities under proper oversight, rather than bypassing them. Malka insists that the exclusive responsibility for combating crime must remain with the police to ensure safer streets. He concludes that Israel has only one police force and it must be empowered fully to succeed in its mission.

Malka holds a BA in Business Administration, an MA in Political Science specializing in National Security, and last served as head of the Border Police intelligence division.