Relationship Between the Private Sector and Fusion Centers: Potential Causes for Concern and Realities

Abstract

The emergence of fusion centers has been met with much anticipation, as well as feelings ranging from relief to fear. Much of the latter has focused on the potential for fusion centers to disregard civil liberties, a position promoted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In a 2007 report entitled, What's Wrong With Fusion Centers, the ACLU argued enhancing private sector integration with fusion center efforts was a 'bad idea' that would lead to the abuse of civil liberties. Yet, the potential problems highlighted by the ACLU are not inevitable. Nor are they particularly likely at this point in time given the embryonic nature of such relations, if they exist at all, and due to regulations and other forces at play. Nor is the nature of a relationship between fusion centers and the private sector problematic in and of itself. That said there are fundamental issues related to these centers, some concerning civil liberties, which need to be addressed to ensure that fusion centers become a viable and effective component of our nation's homeland security posture.