Domestic security agencies have improved their collaborative counterterrorism efforts in the 15 years since Sept. 11, 2001; however, additional steps could enhance information sharing, according to an April 3 joint report from Intelligence Community, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice watchdogs.
In response to a request from the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee, inspectors general of the IC, DHS and DOJ looked at the ways federal, state and local agencies implement and coordinate their interagency strategies.
Noting several successes against domestic terrorism in New York City and Boston, as well the use of the Homeland Security Information Network to share updates and nationwide support during events in Chattanooga, Tenn., and San Bernardino, Calif., the IGs still feel there are practices to foster greater, more consistent cooperation.
A starting point for DHS, for example, would involve addressing staffing, clearances and systems access in the field to encourage reporting processes. The information gathered at borders and airports offers great insight into potential terrorists and foreign fighters and could inform terrorism watch list intelligence information reports with collaborative FBI guidance.
The IGs concluded that partners in terrorism-related intelligence initiatives need a better understanding of each other’s roles, responsibilities and contributions to improve internal efforts and promote the unity and efficiency of a national-level program.
Components of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Homeland Security and Justice (such as the U.S. Attorneys Offices, FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) should first review the interagency information sharing memorandum of understanding, then evaluate with input from partners how to update sharing standards and processes and best utilize anti-terrorism meetings and joint task forces.
The IGs made 23 recommendations for mitigating gaps and overlaps in sharing information, including looking at realigning agency representatives and responsibilities to address large geographic regions that may hamper communication and oversight.
The entire 85-page report can be accessed at OIG.Justice.gov.
IGs: Smoother info sharing needed to improve counterterrorism
