NCJ Number
202165
Date Published
September 2003
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the significance of information sharing in fulfilling the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsibilities.
Abstract
The DHS’s responsibilities include coordinating and sharing information related to threats of domestic terrorism within the department and with and between other Federal agencies, State and local governments, the private sector, and other entities. DHS must analyze law enforcement information, intelligence information, and other threat, incident, and vulnerability information from Federal and non- Federal sources to identify and assess the nature and scope of terrorist threats. DHS must share information both internally and externally with agencies and law enforcement on such things as goods and passengers inbound to the United States and individuals that are known or suspected terrorists and criminals. The General Accounting Office (GAO) has identified the following challenges for improvement by the DHS. The DHS must develop a comprehensive and coordinated national plan to facilitate information sharing on critical infrastructure protection. The DHS must develop productive information sharing relationships between the Federal Government and State and local governments and the private sector. The DHS must provide appropriate incentives for non-Federal entities to increase information sharing with the Federal Government and enhance other critical infrastructure protection efforts. Other key management issues that the DHS should consider are establishing trust relationships with a wide variety of Federal and non-Federal entities that may be in a position to provide potentially useful information and advice on vulnerabilities and incidents. DHS should continue to develop and implement an enterprise architecture to integrate the many existing systems and processes required to support its mission and guide the department’s investments in new systems to effectively support homeland security. In addition, DHS should ensure that sensitive information is secured, develop secure communications networks, integrate staff from different organizations, and ensure that the department has properly skilled staff. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, and Research and Development and the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, Select Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives. 63 footnotes