Core Goal #2: Intelligence/Information Sharing
Law enforcement officers in every region in Maryland should have the ability to transmit and receive law enforcement database information from the field and share that information on a real-time basis. Maryland’s fusion center should share useful and actionable information from the field and from regional and federal counterparts with every jurisdiction on a real-time basis.
Why is Intelligence and Information Sharing important?
There is a wealth of potentially valuable information available to protect the life and safety of the public and first responders. However, that information is not useful unless trends are identified, analysis is completed, and the information is channeled to those with a need to know. Providing first responders with meaningful intelligence supports operational decision making, assists in ongoing investigations, and enhances first responder safety. Developing meaningful intelligence is a three step process: first, the collection of raw data, second the analysis of raw data to develop actionable intelligence, and finally, the distribution of that intelligence to those that need it.
Strategic Plan for Intelligence/Information Sharing:
2A – Integrate relevant/appropriate existing law enforcement and other data systems relevant to homeland security in order to transmit and receive law enforcement database information from the field and share that information on a real-time basis.
• Develop an information sharing structure that addresses local and regional issues and that feeds data and product into Regional Information Centers and MCAC for connection, analysis, and redistribution of a statewide product.
• Implement technology to share information between currently incompatible criminal and homeland security intelligence databases.
• First responders in the field should have access to modern and next generation hardware and software so that they have the ability share information real-time.
2B – State and Local law first responders should work together to develop a statewide information sharing model that uses common information sharing standards, produces products useful to field personnel as well as executive decision makers, and works on a real time basis.
• Develop common protocols to identify, collect and analyze information relevant to homeland security in coordination with both state and local stakeholders.
• The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center should produce meaningful and practical intelligence products to state and local first responders for both specific events/incidents and to serve the general intelligence needs of law enforcement partners.