A new entity under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will advise it on homeland intelligence activities and issues, in the form of the Homeland Intelligence Advisory Board.
Announced earlier this month, the Board will report to the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis, focusing on issues such as operational adherence to principles of privacy and civil liberties. In recognition of the sensitive nature of its intelligence-related discussions, the Secretary exempted the Board from the public notice, reporting, and open meeting requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Nevertheless, what is known of the Board is that its up to 40 members will be appointed by the Under Secretary and convene at least quarterly. Ideally, the agency said it will consist of representatives from various communities, such as intelligence and homeland security, privacy and civil liberties, law enforcement, state and local government, private industry and academia. Together, they will discuss ideas and form an external, independent forum for debate and assessment of intelligence activities.