Homeland Security Committee releases assessment on use of DHS intelligence for terrorist threats

The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee released last week a comprehensive review of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) use of intelligence to counter terrorist threats and activities.

The report, “Reviewing the Department of Homeland Security’s Intelligence Enterprise Fighting Terrorism by Addressing Key Gaps”, served to examine the department’s intelligence structure and functions while providing more than 30 recommendations with regard to streamlining and enhancing DHS intelligence operations.

The report found that DHS has made significant strides in improving the flow of terrorism information to all stakeholders since its creation. It was also determined that some DHS Intelligence Enterprise (IE) members do not have clear, or even explicitly identified missions, which may cause overlapping efforts and inhibit the effective sharing of terrorism-related intelligence due to an unclear flow of information.

The committee also found that DHS IE does not have a consolidated intelligence doctrine and the chief intelligence officer (CINT) does not have full awareness of all terrorism-related intelligence-sharing agreements into which the various DHS components have entered.

Recommendations made in the report include a clearer definition of DHS IE by the Secretary of Homeland Security, as well as defining its roles and responsibilities. The CINT should also work closely with various DHS Components to share terrorism-related intelligence effectively within the department as well as with other federal agencies. The CINT should so ensure that the IE serves the state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement authorities effectively.

“Although DHS has improved its ability to protect the homeland against terrorist threats over time, major gaps still remain. As the next administration’s transition efforts begin, I urge the department to redouble its efforts to further integrate its intelligence organizations and systems,” House Homeland Security Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) said. “Best supporting state and local law enforcement efforts must also continue to be a top Departmental priority.”