Thread: FUSION CENTERS, Unifying Intelligence to Protect Americans

F.B.I. Press Release

FUSION CENTERS

Unifying Intelligence to Protect Americans

03/12/09

In Arizona, after determining the subjects of an international terrorism case were involved in local criminal activity, the case was referred to local law enforcement. In New Mexico, several individuals linked to FBI investigations—including an MS-13 gang member—were identified. In Tennessee, we developed—with our partners—a formal process for collecting, sharing, and analyzing suspicious activity reports, looking for trends and patterns.

These cooperative efforts—and many more like them—have been made possible through the work of intelligence fusion centers around the country. These centers, usually set up by states or major urban areas and run by state or local authorities, are often supported by federal law enforcement, including the FBI.

This week, nearly 2,000 local, state, tribal, and federal representatives working in these centers gathered in Kansas City to continue the process of standardizing fusion center operations. The ultimate goal? To create a network of centers presenting a unified front against terrorism and other national security and criminal threats that put Americans at risk.

Speaking at the Kansas City conference, our Chief Intel Officer Don Van Duyn said that “while we still have work to do to make the information process more seamless,â€

The more cooperation they have between city, county, state, tribal and federal law enforcement the better off we will be.
Find the criminals in our country and put them away.