Pros And Cons Of Homeland Security Intelligence

Homeland Security Intelligence Millions of dollars are spent each year on the collection of intelligence, the results of which are rarely seen by the public. The proper application of the information acquired is responsible for some of the greatest successes that the United States government has had in recent years. In 2011, acting on almost a years’ worth of intelligence collection, Department of Defense (DOD) assets conducted a clandestine raid in Pakistan. The target of the raid was Osama Bin Ladin. The intelligence that was methodically collected and applied, ultimately led to the death of one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. This is just one example of the importance of intelligence collection and application. The proper collection
These limitations needed to be addressed to prevent another similar attack. First, there is a need for stronger intelligence sharing. Second, caution must be taken while change is made. Third, it recognized the challenges in reforming the intelligence sharing process. “Many departments and agencies, including those of the intelligence community, were created in a different time and in response to challenges, threats, and priorities very different from today’s world” (Walker, 2004, p. 12). Before the September 11th attacks, the prevailing mindset on intelligence was strictly need to know. There was a belief that protecting against terrorism was strictly a federal responsibility. The information collected was labeled national security and classified as secret. This made disbursement of the collected intelligence to local agencies impossible. But before the information could be shared, the intelligence community needed to be
Intelligence can be collected from foreign or domestic assets. Intelligence collected in one part of the world may be applicable for local or federal agencies domestically. For example, the CIA may be collecting intelligence on a terrorist organization but they uncover drugs being smuggled into the United States. They need to get the information to the DEA, Customs and Border Protection, and the Coast Guard. This highlights the need for rapid sharing of collected intelligence. Local law enforcement assets also have a need for the collected information to assist in the unified prevention of criminal acts. The need for quick disbursement of collected intelligence led to the creation of fusion centers. “State and local representatives, in particular, expressed a need for useful finished analysis as well as the raw material necessary to produce focused analysis in the Fusion Centers. They indicated a specific desire for more unclassified tier-line products to provide to law enforcement and first responders” (DHS, 2011, p. 8). The Fusion Centers allow first responders to have the same quality intelligence as the CIA and NSA. Fusion Center access has also allowed for the creation of special units by municipal law enforcement agencies. For example, The New York City Police Department has a dedicated intelligence and counter terrorism unit. “The mission of the