Question

How are State and Local law enforcement bound up into homeland security? What is the value proposition of fusion centers?

Answer 1

A safe and secure homeland requires state and local partners to have a robust capability and capacity to access, collect, analyze, and disseminate threat information to operators and decision makers across all levels of government. Under the Secretary's leadership, DHS is responsible for counter terrorism, cyber security, aviation security, border security, port security, maritime security, administration and enforcement of our immigration laws, protection of our national leaders, protection of critical infrastructure, cyber security, detection of and protection against chemical, biological and nuclear threats to the homeland, and response to disasters.

The value proposition for fusion centers is that by integrating various streams of information and intelligence, including that flowing from the federal government, state, local, and tribal governments, as well as the private sector, a more accurate picture of risks to people, economic infrastructure, and communities.