The House Homeland Security Committee majority staff released a new report reviewing the nation’s network of fusion centers, hubs for sharing information related to security between federal, state and local government entities.
The new report, Advancing the Homeland Security Information Sharing Environment: A Review of the National Network of Fusion Centers, provides an update on the progress made since a similar 2013 report and offers 24 recommendations for improving the network.
“As threats to our homeland continue to evolve, we must take the necessary steps to mitigate gaps in threat-sharing and reporting,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said. “This latest report includes 24 recommendations that promote the sustained growth of the national network of fusion centers and more fully integrate front-line law enforcement, first responders, and our intelligence community, contributing to a more robust national infrastructure to defend against the threat landscape.”
The recommendations in the report include implementing an engagement strategy across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and enhancing coordination and support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Fusion Center Technical Assistance Program.
The report also recommends that the DHS Office of Intelligence & Analysis should increase and empower DHS field personnel working with fusion centers as well as track state legislative changes that may impair information sharing with DHS. It also suggested that social media companies improve their information sharing arrangements with fusion centers and law enforcement.