Fusion Centers: Issues and Options for Congress
Abstract
Although elements of the information and intelligence fusion function were conducted prior to 9/11, often at state police criminal intelligence bureaus, the events of 9/11 provided the primary catalyst for the formal establishment of more than 40 state, local, and regional fusion centers across the country. Currently, a number of bills pending before Congress, including S. 4, H.R. 1, S. 1644, and H.R. 2638, have elements that address fusion centers. The value proposition for fusion centers is that by integrating various streams of information and intelligence, including that flowing from the federal government, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector, a more accurate picture of risks to people, economic infrastructure, and communities can be developed and translated into protective action. The ultimate goal of fusion is to prevent manmade (terrorist) attacks and to respond to natural disasters and manmade threats quickly and efficiently should they occur. As recipients of federal government-provided national intelligence, another goal of fusion centers is to model how events inimical to U.S. interests overseas may be manifested in their communities, and align protective resources accordingly. There are several risks to the fusion center concept including potential privacy and civil liberties violations, and the possible inability of fusion centers to demonstrate utility in the absence of future terrorist attacks, particularly during periods of relative state fiscal austerity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 06, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA470027
Entities
People
- John Rollins
- Siobhan O'neil
- Todd Masse
Organizations
- Library of Congress