January 20, 2012 On Thursday afternoon, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano addressed law enforcement officials at the National Sheriffs’ Association’s winter conference in Washington, D.C. to hightlight the Department’s successful counter-terrorism collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement, first responders, and key public-private partnerships.
Secretary Napolitano touted her department's success in implementing strategic policies designed to counter violent extremism and human trafficking, report suspicious activity, secure borders and enforce immigration laws, through training and information sharing initiatives.
Napolitano agreed with critics who argue that the “If you see something, say something” campaign tactics are frightening and admitted that the sound of her own voice omnipresence in Washington, D.C.’s metro subway system is indeed “a scary thought.”
"DHS intelligence officers working alongside their state and local counterparts to assess threats and share information" at fusion centers are a critical component of the department's strategy in protecting the homeland, according to Secretary Napolitano.
"Officials at Fusion Centers and Emergency Operations Centers we visited were not always aware of each other’s roles, capabilities, and information needs. In some areas, these officials had limited or no interaction, which could hinder response to natural or man-made disasters. Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center officials also were not always aware of and did not always utilize federal guidance developed to address coordination and information sharing efforts. More than 83% of the locations visited were either unaware of or did not utilize federal guidance for Fusion Center and Emergency Operations Center interaction provided in Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 502."
" it is becoming increasingly clear that fusion centers are part of a new domestic intelligence apparatus, German warned."
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