Homeland Security Intelligence: Perceptions, Statutory Definitions, and Approaches

Citation
Mark A. Randol, Homeland Security Intelligence: Perceptions, Statutory Definitions, and Approaches (CRS Report RL33616) (Jan. 14, 2009) (full-text).

Overview
This report provides a potential conceptual model of how to frame homeland security intelligence (HSINT'''), including [[geographic, structural/statutory, and holistic approaches. Given that state, local, tribal, and private sector officials play such an important role in HSINT, the holistic model, one not constrained by geography or levels of government, strikes many as the most compelling.

The report argues that there is, in effect, a Homeland Security Intelligence Community (HSIC). Although the HSIC's members are diffused across the nation, they share a common counterterrorism interest. The proliferation of intelligence and information fusion centers across the country indicate that state and local leaders believe there is value to centralizing intelligence gathering and analysis in a manner that assists them in preventing and responding to local manifestations of terrorist threats to their people, infrastructure, and other assets. At the policy and operational levels, the communication and integration of federal HSINT efforts with these state and local fusion centers will likely remain an important priority and future challenge.