Information sharing occurs between and among government agencies at federal, state, and local levels. For instance, many states and large cities have intelligence fusion centers in which a variety of government agencies at all levels share information and intelligence resources. While many people understand and access the need for information sharing between and among government agencies, some issues, concerns, and challenges arise when information is shared in the context of homeland security. If a proper balance is not struck between security and civil liberties, the results can be harmful. On the other hand, failure to share information also can result in negative consequences in terms of public health and safety. Becoming familiar with some of these issues and challenges related to information sharing will help you formulate your own critical assessment of the implications when information sharing is lacking or misguided.
To prepare for this Discussion:
Required Readings
Bullock, J. A. , Haddow, G. D. & Coppola, D. P. (2013). Introduction to homeland security (5th ed.). Waltham, MA: Elsevier Inc.
· Chapter 11, “Communications”
United States Government Accountability Office. (2007). First responders: Much work remains to improve communications interoperability. Retrieved fromhttp://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07301.pdf
Note: You are only required to read pages 1–1 1 of this article.
· Chapter 8, “Intelligence and Information Sharing”
· Chapter 9, “Interoperability”
Required Media
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Current issues in homeland security: Information sharing and communication. Baltimore: Author.
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 14 minutes.
Accessible player –Downloads– Download Video w/CC Download Audio
Optional Resources
Brito, J. (2007). Sending out an S.O.S.: Public safety communications interoperability as a collective action problem. Fed