The Role of Intelligence in Homeland Security Activities

The Role of Intelligence in Homeland Security Activities

Intelligence and information-sharing forms one of the key components that are required to run the DHS effectively. Role of intelligence in any domain is vital but considering its role in the area of National Intelligence, the significance could not be emphasized any more with security being the fundamental need and goal of any state. Not only the states which are part of contemporary world affairs are concerned with security but all the states strive to improve their security. This security could only be implemented or granted if the states are continuously involved in the collection of credible intelligence and hence possess intelligence sources, as security and intelligence are directly proportional. The system has changed dramatically with the advent of information age indicating the need for significant funding and investment in the National Intelligence and Homeland Security, however the relationship between security and national intelligence not only remains same, rather it has been strengthened.

Intelligence

Intelligence denotes the collection, analysis, production and subsequent utilization of the information pertaining to potentially hostile activities, individuals, groups, states or countries.

Information-Sharing

Information sharing or information fusion initiatives between the agencies and relevant authorities of National Intelligence and Homeland Securities are consistently increasing in the face of mounting terrorism threat and potential red- alert situation post 9/11. Successful counterterrorism efforts could only be undertaken if federal, state, regional, local as well as entities operating in private sector are seamlessly involved in the collection, blending, analysis, dissemination and usage of information pertaining to vulnerabilities and threats in an attempt to strengthen prevention, response as well as consequence management efforts.

Role in Effective Homeland Security Activities

The importance of information and information sharing manifests in its ability to implement effective terrorism-related prevention, preparedness, recovery efforts, protection and ...