Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2009

State and Local Fusion Centers

Eric Rosenbach

July 2009

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard University

Abstract

The 9/11 Commission Report emphasized the importance of information sharing between local law enforcement and federal intelligence agencies in order to prevent future terrorist attacks. In an effort to address these concerns, “fusion centers” were created that would facilitate the transfer of information among local, state and federal officials. This memo provides members of Congress with an overview of fusion centers, explains the role these centers play in information sharing and addresses some challenges that they face today.