In the News 2007

December 2007

DOD relying on data standards to help transform the Defense Department's business processes. Article
Many state and local officials who work at fusion centers report problems logging onto federal networks and have difficulty handling the high volume of information they receive from federal authorities, according to a recent survey by government auditors. Article
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security'ss (DHS) National Applications Office (NAO) is the executive agent to facilitate the use of intelligence community technological assets for civil, homeland security and law enforcement purposes within the United States. The office will begin initial operation by fall 2007 and will build on the long-standing work of the Civil Applications Committee, which was created in 1974 to facilitate the use of the capabilities of the intelligence community for civil, non-defense uses in the United States. Fact Sheet
Police chiefs and sheriffs from across Maryland, Virginia and Washington gathered late last month for the official launch of a new Web-based service that gives them access to each others' crime reports. Officials hailed the Law Enforcement Information Exchange dubbed LInX as an important tool for crime fighting. Article
GAO releases new report on Homeland Security: "Federal Efforts are Helping to Alleviate Some Challenges Encountered by State and Local Fusion Centers". Report
In what they called a breakthrough, law enforcement officials yesterday unveiled a computer system that will allow more than 60 state and local police agencies in the D.C. area to share mug shots and crime reports. Article
Local intelligence-sharing centers set up after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks have had their anti-terrorism mission diluted by a focus on run-of-the-mill street crime and hazards such as hurricanes, a government report concludes. Article

November 2007

The Defense Intelligence Agency is moving to an online Force Protection Assessment system to provide knowledge management and real-time updates on operational security analyses. Article
It took the 2001 terrorist attacks against the United States for Canada's spy agency and the RCMP to figure out a better way of information sharing to prevent future acts of terrorism. The CSIS and the RCMP now have frequent meetings across the country to share information about targets and deal with any potential overlaps in their work. Article
General Accountability Office (GAO) on combating nuclear terrorism. Report
Lawmakers are cautiously optimistic that the Homeland Security Department and other federal agencies are on the way to sharing better, more relevant and clearer threat information with state and local law enforcement officials. Article
Jackson, Mississippi police force receives grant to improve technology and information sharing. Article
Homeland Security Department Secretary Michael Chertoff unveils a plan to reinforce the nation's multihazard fusion centers with expert firefighters. Article
As Congress debates new rules for government eavesdropping, a top intelligence official says privacy no longer can mean anonymity. Report
Council on Foreign Relations reviews the newly released National Strategy for Information Sharing (NSIS). Article
The Office of Management and Budget extends Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 deadline for the Defense, Homeland Security, State and Veterans Affairs departments. Article
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence is moving closer to finishing the revision of the intelligence community and Defense Department's certification and accreditation (C&A) policies. Article
The National Governors Association awarded grants today valued at $50,000 to five states to implement pilot projects designed to improve information sharing among public safety agencies using the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM). Article
The Bush administration plans to provide the necessary funding and support to make state and local fusion centers the focal point for sharing terrorism-related intelligence with nonfederal authorities. Article
The Justice Department's pitch to help agencies improve their security reporting is all about automation - leaving more time to do real-time monitoring. Article
In-Q-Tel adopts indexing software to improve data management. Article
GAO report: Recommendations to Promote a Comprehensive and Coordinated Approach to Terrorist-Related Screening. Article
Congressional Research Service Report - National Strategy for Combating Terrorism. Report