http://www.elpasotimes.com/opinion/ci_15339023

Pooling information vital to securing border
El Paso Times Editorial Board
Posted: 06/21/2010 12:00:00 AM MDT

It's troubling that reports continue regarding communication failure between border-control agencies.

This time, the Justice Department points a finger at the Drug Enforcement Administration center in El Paso. A report says the local DEA is not looking at the total picture and is distributing outdated information at a time when narco violence is rampant in Juárez.

It's been evident over the years that information does not flow freely between the several agencies charged with border security.

That's believed to be one reason President Obama chose border expert Alan Bersin as his border czar.

Bersin, who had the same job in the President Clinton administration, is working directly under Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. She is the former governor of Arizona, and is also considered a border expert.

We have smart minds in top positions, but a cliché phrase still defines communication lapses: "What we have here is a failure to communicate." The word "kingdoms" has been used.

We believe the El Paso DEA has been doing a good job, and we feel charges, such as distributing outdated information, could probably be levied at all or most other federal border agencies; they have a reputation for keeping things too close to their respective chests.

Bersin is on this issue, as he's told the El Paso Times Editorial Board.

Ways and means must be found whereby federal agencies pool critical information. That's essential to the many facets of border security.