first published week of: 10/10/2016
After the 2001 terrorist attacks, the Department of Homeland Security developed a communication network to make it easier for agencies to share intelligence related to terrorism. Operational since 2006, the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) recently added a capability that simplifies the way fusion centers handle requests for information from law enforcement agencies.
Those requests involve providing analytical assistance or information that could identify emerging criminal activity, processing encounter notifications, assessing current crime trends, or supporting counterterrorism or emergency management operations. HSIN Exchange now helps fusion centers address inquiries more efficiently while using metrics to assess and enhance their own operations. Along the way, the centers are saving time and reducing the duplication of systems and effort. continued…