Introduction Ever since 9/11 the public safety field has been looking for ways to transform themselves a more effective and efficient organization, especially when it comes down to anti- and counter-terrorism efforts. We no longer can depend on up to data from just one organization at a time, so when we were asked to implement key strategies for a new center, we accepted the job. Much to our surprise, it was not just one organization, but many organizations that will be working together in a fusion center. Now that we know what the organization is, we will have to develop key strategies, and implement situational theory to help us to stay up to speed on anti-and counter-terrorism efforts. As leaders for this fusion center it will be our …show more content…
36). How can this definition help us to except and lead a new position? We will examine the ways below in the strategies section. Brief description of what Fusion centers is Most individuals are aware of what a fusion center really is, but to make sure we all know what it is we will briefly explain what they are which is: a fusion center is an organization that involves every sector and level (discipline) of the private sector, government, and the public. Some level of involvement of some of the partakers will differ based on their particular circumstances. For example, some disciplines, like law enforcement, would be a core component of the “fusion process due to the relationship between crime and terrorism and the fact that, in many cases, law enforcement authorities are best suited to coordinate statewide and local fusion” (“Fusion Center Guidelines”, n.d., p. 6). Strategies Since these centers main job is to collect intelligence data through this one network or center of facilities, and then gather and analyze networks of information more efficiently and efficiently, we need to make
While the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is one, centralized agency, securing the homeland involves the cooperation and collaboration of many, different agencies and organizations ranging from local law enforcement to national agencies such as the NSA, CIA, and FBI. Each of these agencies contributes to the development of homeland security intelligence. By carefully analyzing and commenting on the objectives, tasks, strengths, weaknesses, and roles of each agency, a larger picture emerges regarding the capabilities and limitation of intelligence in supporting homeland security efforts.
DHS has supported this idea of intelligence centers or information analysis centers by having a “renewed commitment to creating a robust, nationwide network of fusion centers to share and analyze data on citizens and others.”1 As of 2009 DHS contributes 254 million in funding to sate and local
The devastating events of 9/11 provided a forewarning to our country concerning the dangers of terrorism. However, it has created a particularly greater impact on the duties and standards expected of law enforcement agencies on all levels (local, state, and national). Law enforcement has begun implementing new tactics in an effort to prevent future terrorist attacks from threatening our national security. One aspect of policing in which terrorism has brought about is the process of information sharing between all levels of law enforcement. Our nation has also witnessed a change from traditional policing to that of a militarized one. Furthermore, after the incidents of September 11th, the
The formation of fusion centers is a step in the right direction to countering terrorist threats. By working efficiently and appropriately, information leading to arrests can be shared across county lines, state lines, and all around the world in a timely manner. Fusion centers can make law enforcement agencies more competent and effective in stopping crimes (to include terrorist attacks) before they take place. As long as the centers follow the laws they are governed by, they will remain ethical and can be a helpful addition in protecting the United States. Fusion centers in the United States perform a valuable role in countering terrorist threats, their positive influence far
The September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center spawned the formation of different tactics and strategy on countering terrorism. One of the plans is to create a Fusion Center. There were plans and trainings in place prior to the attacks in 2001, however the information gathered were not shared or utilized properly. Fusion Centers were established across the country between 2003 to 2007 by local, state and federal law enforcement.
Fusion Center was established as the bridge between federal, state and local law enforcement. The need for information sharing among federal, state and local enforcement was established after September 11 attack. Fusion Centers " primary goals are maintaining situational awareness with the state and region, identifying and anticipating both criminal and non criminal threats, and facilitating interagency communication and coordination activities based on these assessment. The analysis and use of the information and intelligence lies at the heart of their activities or should enabling the organization to better define and achieve their varied goals"(Joyal, 2012). Fusion center plays a vital role in enabling effective communication of locally
Fusion centers receive information from a variety of sources, including SAR from stakeholders within their jurisdictions, as well as federal information and intelligence. They analyze the information and develop relevant products to disseminate to their customers. These products assist homeland security partners at all levels of government to identify and address immediate and emerging threats. “The National Strategy for Information Sharing considers fusion centers to be “vital assets” that provide the federal government with critical information about state and local governments, while the state and local governments obtain information about terrorist-related threats” (White House
On September 11, 2001 Al Qaeda operatives executed a violent and lethal terrorist attack against the United States. The attacks against the north and south towers of the World Trade Center, United Airlines flight 93, and the Pentagon, have collectively been deemed the deadliest terrorist attack to take place on American soil in the history of the United States. The appalling attacks against New York City and the nation’s capital triggered an immediate assessment of the intelligence community, existing anti-terrorism policies and methodologies, and the overall structure of the United States intelligence community. More specifically, the federal government began to assess its existing capabilities to ensure domestic homeland security and enhance the security posture of the United States. An array of after-action reports indicated that communication and collaboration between varying government agencies was limited and very difficult to navigate. More specifically, intelligence agencies were extremely restricted and compartmentalized and as a result of such lapses, Al Qaeda was successful in their attack planning and execution. Although there has been a recognizable improvement in communication throughout the intelligence community, the United States must evolve and
IPS leader and co-founder, Chief Sonny Colunga, has served at almost every level of law enforcement and forensic investigation over his 30+ year career. His hands on service to and coordination of CenterPoint related events make him an ideal candidate to lead a security force to protect some of CenterPoint’s most valuable assets. What Sonny brings to the table that most other agencies don’t is his experience with CenterPoint along with National Forensic credentials and experience. Sonny was trusted by the U.S. Government to handle sensitive government secrets and solve difficult national security issues both in the United States and abroad. Chief Colunga can also be a valuable CenterPoint partner in confidential investigations where complex
Fusion centers are a local arm of the intelligence community, the 17 intelligence agencies coordinated by the National Counterterrorism Center. There are two types of fusion centers, primary fusion centers is a primary fusion center typically provides information sharing and analysis for an entire state. These centers are the highest priority for the allocation of available federal resources, including the deployment of personnel and connectivity with federal data systems. A recognized fusion center is a recognized fusion center typically provides information sharing and analysis for a major urban area. As the Federal Government respects the authority of state governments to designate fusion centers, any designated fusion center not designated as a primary fusion center is referred to as a recognized fusion center. Fusion centers are often also collocated with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces.
Fusion centers were created in response to the 9-11 terrorist attacks as a way to share information and intelligence between various agencies and law enforcement organizations. Fusion centers generally operate as a "hub-and-spoke" system of information sharing. The fusion center is the central hub and primarily sends information out to the agencies and organizations through the "spokes." The benefit of this system is spreading information across the network of agencies involved. One concern is that this kind of network does not handle bidirectional communication well. Information just gets sent out to the connected agencies so the network does not get flooded with traffic during emergencies. being sent out is not as tailored to any of the receiving agencies. Another concern is that the information will be exclusively sent out to law enforcement agencies and only when the sender believes it is necessary (Pfeifer, pg 5).
The purpose of this paper is to define and give as much detail information about Homeland Security in the United States and law enforcement and how they are integrated. I hope after reading this paper you will be well informed on the duties and responsibilities of these agencies. People have always lived in fear but with the help of these agencies we will no longer have to live in fear. I will try to give as much detail information as possible to help with any problems or situation that might come up. Homeland Security in the United States and law enforcement have extensive research skills and knowledge in serving and protecting citizens and other important groups and agencies. Homeland
In the State of New York, fusion center is a perfect example of information technology optimizing their performance in reducing crime within their police departments. The New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Center serves as an information hub for law enforcement. According to (Johnson, 2008), the mass of intelligence data in the central location has proved to be a key factor in identifying individuals and organizations that are facilitating or carrying out terrorist activity in New York City.
Intelligence collection and apprehension of criminals have occurred for many years; however, with the exception of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, these actions were performed by different organizations. Nonetheless, roles and responsibilities have changed since the attacks on September 11, 2001. Intelligence-led policing and the National Criminal Intelligence Sharing program were incorporated, and fusion centers were established to help gather intelligence from different levels of the government. Although law enforcement at the local, state, and tribal levels aid in intelligence collection, it is important to ensure that intelligence gathered to protect national security and law enforcement
Fusion centers were created to improve the efficiency of the state and local level of homeland security. "Fusion centers are owned and operated by state and local entities with support from federal partners in the form of deployed personnel, training, technical assistance, exercise support, security clearances, connectivity to federal systems, technology, and grant funding." (U.S. National Intelligence, 2013, p. 20). This initiative is extremely beneficial, because the state level does not always have the means to comb through data. Training also proves to be a costly burden the state cannot always fund. At the national and international level, the country utilizes the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Fusion centers are been extremely effective, because the intelligence gathered in this manner is much more relevant in terms of locale. For example, if the FBI acquires some intelligence about New York City, it does not do much good for California. If California focuses more on itself with the fusion