Preventing terrorism using information sharing networks

Abstract

Many states currently do not have an intelligence fusion center, and therefore, their ability to prevent and deter a terrorist attack is limited by the lack of information sharing. Wisconsin in addition to many states lacks a central hub for information exchange and currently has no system in place that allows the variety of technologies to gain access to a common database to gather and/or exchange information. The vast majority of public safety agencies currently operate their own systems that are incapable of exchanging information. The inability to exchange and/or access information in user-friendly format has inhibited many state and local efforts to keep its citizens safe from the possibility of a terrorist attack. The ultimate goal is to provide a mechanism where law enforcement , public safety and private sector partners can come together with a common purpose and improve the ability to safeguard our homeland and prevent criminal activity. Terrorism Early Warning Systems (TEW's) embody the core of collaboration and are an effective tool to maximize available resources and build trusted relationships. The fusion process should be organized and coordinated on a statewide level between the major Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) areas and the statewide fusion center concept.