Inter-organizational relationships and law enforcement information sharing post 11 September 2001

Abstract

The lack of information sharing among law enforcement agencies leading up to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks has been well documented. An emphasis on interaction among law enforcement agencies with other government and private sector organizations has been reinforced in contemporary counter-terrorism efforts. Despite this emphasis, very little is known with respect to which law enforcement agencies are collaborating with which public works and private sector organizations to fulfill this critical mission gap. The present research utilizes two federally funded national surveys to explore the collaborative relationships between law enforcement, other government organizations, and private sector organizations. Findings suggest collaboration across sectors exists; however, it appears significant room for improvement remains.

Keywords::

• information sharing
• intelligence
• fusion centers
• relationships
• policing

Acknowledgements

Points of view or opinions expressed in this study are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute of Justice or the US Department of Justice.

Notes

^1. For a comprehensive discussion of the differences of these types of intelligence see: Carter (2012).

^2. Grant award number 2008-IJ-CX-0007.

^3. This training program was primarily attended by intelligence personnel from state and local law enforcement agencies. Personnel attending the training were typically senior-level intelligence personnel as well as intelligence analysts. The trainings were held in cities across the USA with no geographic bias as the intent of the program was to develop and enhance an intelligence capability among state and local agencies nationwide. This training lasted 2.5 days and was delivered free of charge to participants. The Department of Homeland Security covered all training costs.

^4. Attendees of the NFCC were primarily administrators and senior personnel (i.e. Director, Deputy Director, and Senior Analyst). These meetings were purposely held outside of the Washington, DC area to further facilitate an emphasis on the state and local components of fusion centers. The 2007 conference was held in Destin, Florida, and San Francisco, California, held the conference in 2008. Attendees were responsible for their own costs to attend; however, these costs were allowable expenses under state homeland security funds and enabled representation of multiple persons from each fusion center.

Additional information

Funding

This study was sponsored by the National Institute of Justice, US Department of Justice [grant number 2008-IJ-CX-0007].

Notes on contributors

Jeremy G. Carter

Jeremy G. Carter, Ph.D., is an assistant professor within the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and got his Ph.D. from the School of Criminal Justice at Michigan State University. His research areas include policing, policy evaluation, justice technologies, and intelligence. His research has appeared in outlets such as Police Quarterly, Criminal Justice and Behavior, Policing and Society, Criminal Justice Policy Review, and Police Practice and Research.