Napolitano orders review of DHS' intelligence-sharing

Janet Napolitano, the new secretary of the Homeland Security Department, has ordered a review of DHS’ existing programs that share intelligence with state and local authorities. She also instructed DHS officials to contact state and municipal authorities to better integrate the nonfederal officials into DHS programs and processes.

DHS has numerous programs to integrate and coordinate with nonfederal authorities on counterterrorism and emergency response efforts. Many of those programs use information technology to share information.

DHS also leads federal involvement in state and local intelligence fusion centers that serve as a primary node in federal efforts to share counterterrorism information with state and local authorities.

Napolitano asked for evaluations on which DHS activities can best achieve a smooth flow of information between DHS and state and local authorities on a real time basis. She said that should include the perspective of state and local authorities, as well as the private sector, and should evaluate whether DHS’ Intelligence and Analysis office is meeting its information-sharing missions, according to a press statement.

Napolitano also asked DHS’ Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to gather information from state and municipal leadership associations on issues such as critical infrastructure, grants, interoperability, intelligence collection and dissemination and emergency services.