Lack of Information Sharing Continues to Hinder Local Law Enforcement:
Report Finds that Federal Government Needs New Model to Stop Terrorism
Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) released a report today showing that more than four years after 9/11 the federal government still does not have working systems for getting law enforcement officers the information they need to identify terrorists and to thwart their plans.
The report, "Beyond Connecting the Dots: A VITAL Framework for Sharing Law Enforcement Intelligence Information,” finds that frontline law enforcement officers are often unable to access intelligence information that could be critical to catching terrorists at our borders, our ports, our cities, and our towns throughout America.
Currently, no uniform standards exist to convert classified intelligence into a format that state, local, and tribal authorities could use to help prevent terrorist attacks. The nation also lacks a method by which state, local, and tribal officials can communicate their intelligence needs to federal authorities.
The report recommends creating a "Vertical Intelligence Terrorism Analysis Link" (VITAL) unit for the nation that would convert classified intelligence information into a useful format that can be disseminated to officers in the field. If staffed by federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement in the same location, the unit would assure that non-federal law enforcement needs and concerns were brought back to Washington.
“If we are serious about securing our nation against terrorists, then we must keep state, local, and tribal law enforcement in the loop and engaged in law enforcement intelligence. As it is now, they are not being given the information they need, when they need it, to identify potential terrorists or their methods. This report proposes a VITAL fix to a broken system that I look forward to developing with my colleagues this year,” said Rep. Thompson.
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For more information contact:
Todd Levett at (202) 226-8866
