Employing the intelligence cycle process model within the Homeland Security Enterprise

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the employment and adherence of the intelligence cycle process model within the National Network of Fusion Centers and the greater Homeland Security Enterprise by exploring the customary intelligence cycle process model established by the United States Intelligence Community (USIC). This thesis revealed there are various intelligence cycle process models used by the USIC and taught to the National Network. Given the numerous different training entities and varied intelligence cycle process models, challenges exist with providing a well-defined training program that ensures consistent and clear intelligence cycle process model employment. Finally, this thesis offers an overview pertinent to researchers and/or practitioners regarding the viability of employing the intelligence cycle process model as the principle guide for domestic intelligence activities. This thesis employed a qualitative research method that analyzed and interpreted publicly available academic and policy information gathered from government and nongovernment institutions regarding the conceptual and practical intelligence cycle process model narratives. A case study analysis was conducted of the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombing as a platform to discuss the active and effective employment of the intelligence cycle process model by the National Network. The principal conclusion offers while literature clearly agrees the intelligence cycle process model is a cyclical structure of actions, literature also finds there are common themes suggesting the intelligence cycle does not sufficiently describe how the intelligence process works at the operational stages of domestic intelligence activities within the National Network.