What are fusion centers and how are these a part of homeland security Research Paper

What are fusion centers and how are these a part of homeland security Are they effective - Research Paper Example This goal can only be achieved successfully when the local law enforcement agencies work together with the federal intelligent agencies by sharing any threat information. This was clearly stressed in the 9/11 commission report. Former US president George, W. Bush on August 3, 2007 signed the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. With reference to the 9/11 Commission Act, the department of homeland security should have formal discussions with program directors of information sharing context and the attorney general so as to create a state, local, and regional fusion centers initiates (Abbott and Hetzel,2010). The centers are made up of representatives from local law enforcement, state and federal agencies. Federal intelligence officers also form part of the centers. When the centers get any threat information from the federal government, it is their task to analyze the information, ensure the information is disseminated to the local agencies then gather inside information they have received, l eads given and the suspicious activity reporting by the public and also local agencies. The idea of fusion has sprung up as the most important process to enhance the ability of sharing information that assists in providing homeland security and also sharing of any information that helps in knowing of any criminal activities taking place and also sharing of intelligence (Abbott and Hetzel, 2010). The fusion process involves a comprehensive process of controlling the flow of any threat information and intelligence through different levels and sectors of the private agencies and the government. After receiving information from various sources, that is; the public, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector agencies; the information is then analyzed and afterwards turned into applicable knowledge. Fusion centers do not merge all federal databases that reveal personally recognizable information with