The FBI’s National Information Sharing Strategy (NISS) ensures that information is shared as fully and appropriately as possible with federal, state, local, and tribal partners in the intelligence and law enforcement communities. The NISS is based on the principle that FBI information and information technology (IT) systems must be designed to ensure that those protecting the public have the information they need to take action. It also ensures that information is shared within the bounds of the Constitution.
The NISS includes three components: Law Enforcement National Data Exchange (N-DEx); OneDOJ; and the Law Enforcement Online (LEO) network.
- N-DEx provides a nationwide capability to exchange data derived from incident and event reports. It serves as an electronic catalog of structured criminal justice information such as police reports that provide a “single point of discovery;” leverages technology to relate massive amounts of data that is useful information; automates discovery of patterns and linkages to detect and deter crime and terrorism; and affords enhanced nationwide law enforcement communication and collaboration.
- OneDOJ enables the FBI to join participating federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies in regional full-text information sharing systems under standard technical procedures and policy agreements.
- LEO provides Web-based communications to the law enforcement community to exchange information, conduct online education programs, and participate in professional special interest groups and topically focused dialogue. It is interactive and provides state-of-the-art functions such as real-time chat capability, news groups, distance learning, and articles on law enforcement issues.
Intelligence Fusion Centers
The FBI has always depended on strong partnerships with our state, local, and tribal counterparts. Since 2005, the Bureau has actively participated in a network of fusion centers around the country whose goal is to maximize the ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity. Fusion Centers consist of law enforcement partners dedicated to protecting the homeland. They provide a national perspective on regional threats and trends, so we can better inform decision-makers at all levels.
Currently, the FBI participates in 36 fusion centers through our 56 Field Intelligence Groups (FIGs), which serve as the primary link between the FBI and the fusion center network.
Liaison
In addition to task force participation, a number of special agents in each field office serve in an official liaison role and coordinate with federal, state, municipal, and tribal law enforcement agencies. Many of these agents are physically embedded with the partner agencies. In this role, they facilitate a regular exchange of information, and work to better understand our partners’ intelligence needs.
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