2013 National Network of Fusion Centers Final Report

Threats to the homeland are persistent and constantly evolving. Domestic and foreign terrorism and the expanding reach of transnational organized crime syndicates across cyberspace, international borders, and jurisdictional boundaries within the United States highlight the continued need to build and sustain effective intelligence and information sharing partnerships among the federal government; state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments; and the private sector. These partnerships are the foundation of a robust and efficient homeland security intelligence enterprise that goes beyond shared access to information and intelligence to foster sustained collaboration in support of a common mission. This collaboration enables the fusion process and provides decision makers across all levels of government and within the private sector with the knowledge to make informed decisions to protect the homeland from a variety of threats and hazards.It is within this context that this report evaluates the key role that state and major urban area fusion centers (fusion centers) have played in supporting the broader national effort to secure the United States over the last year, while also safeguarding the privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties (P/CRCL) of U.S. persons. As focal points for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and dissemination of threat-related information among the federal government, SLTT governments, and the private sector, fusion centers are uniquely situated to enhance the national threat picture and enable local officials to better protect their communities from a variety of threats. Fusion centers also provide critical information and subject matter expertise that allows the Intelligence Community (IC) to more effectively "connect the dots" to prevent and protect against threats to the homeland.