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• Gun Trafficking and the Southwest Border [September 21, 2009]

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  From the Summary: "U.S. firearms laws currently govern the possession and transfer of firearms and provide penalties for the violation of such laws. 'Gun trafficking,' although not defined by statute, essentially includes the movement or diversion of firearms from legal to illegal markets. This report includes legal analyses of three ATF-investigated, Southwest border gun trafficking cases to illustrate the federal statutes that are typically violated as part of wider gun trafficking schemes. The report also examines anti-gun trafficking proposals introduced in the 110th Congress. So far, no similar proposals have been introduced in the 111th Congress. The report concludes with possible policy questions for Congress regarding the magnitude of Southwest border gun trafficking, the use and significance of ATF crime gun trace data, the possible ratification of an Inter-American Gun Trafficking Convention (CIFTA), and the adequacy of the federal statutes designed to deter and reduce illegal gun trafficking."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Chu, Vivian S.

  2009-09-21
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): Budget and Operations [Updated August 6, 2009]

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  "This CRS report discusses the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mission, budget, and programs. "For FY2010, the Administration has requested $1.121 billion and 5,025 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for ATF, or $66.6 million and 68 FTE positions more than the amounts appropriated for FY2009 ($1.054 billion and 4,957). Of the difference, $23.6 million and 22 FTE positions are base adjustments. For Southwest border enforcement, the FY2010 request includes a budget enhancement of $18 million to support Project Gunrunner and $25 million for the new National Center for Explosives Training and Research Center (NCETR). Compared to the enacted FY2009 level of funding, the FY2010 request would provide a 4.9% increase. The House reported bill (H.R. 2847) would provide ATF with $1.106 billion for FY2010, while the Senate reported bill (also H.R. 2847) would provide ATF with the same amount as requested by the Administration."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2009-08-06
• Gun Control: Statutory Disclosure Limitations on ATF Firearms Trace Data and Multiple Handgun Sales Reports [May 27, 2009]

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  "For FY2003-FY2009, a rider on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) appropriations has prohibited that agency from disclosing firearm trace data (based on firearm transfer records maintained in part by licensed gun dealers) and multiple handgun sales reports data for any purpose other than supporting a criminal investigation or agency licensing proceeding. This rider is known as the 'Tiahrt' amendment, for its sponsor in full committee markup of the FY2004 Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill, Representative Todd Tiahrt. A coalition of 210 city mayors led by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg favors the repeal of this rider, but the Fraternal Order of Police favors retaining it, as does ATF. For FY2008, Congress included modified Tiahrt amendment language in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 (P.L. 110-161). This modified language states explicitly that it does not prohibit the release of aggregate statistical data on illegal gun trafficking or statistical information on the U.S. firearms industry. For FY2009, similar language was included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (P.L. 111-8)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2009-05-27
• Immigration and Naturalization Service Reorganization and Related Legislative Proposals [Updated July 24, 2001]

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  "The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), with a current annual budget of $5.0 billion, is the primary agency charged with enforcing the nation's immigration law. Regulating immigration can be viewed as having two basic components: stemming illegal immigration (enforcement) and facilitating legal immigration (service). The Bush Administration supports separating service from enforcement. While no legislation has been acted upon in the 107th Congress at this date, restructuring proposals may be considered in the future, since restructuring may necessitate amending existing statutory authorities. Previously, the Clinton Administration had initiated steps to restructure INS internally by separating the agency's enforcement and service functions, but sought to maintain the statutory authority for both functions under a single executive who would integrate immigration policy, standards, and operations. While there is no statutory requirement that the Administration gain Congress's formal approval of any agency reorganization, Congress could choose to mandate legislatively that INS be dismantled or reorganized differently. Indeed, on March 22, 2000, the House Judiciary's Immigration and Claims Subcommittee approved legislation to dismantle INS. Without the support of key Members of Congress, the Clinton Administration did not move forcefully to complete its INS restructuring plan. This report will be updated to reflect legislative action."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2001-07-24
• Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate of the Department of Homeland Security [Updated June 25, 2003]

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  The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) requires the Emergency Preparedness and Response Directorate (EPR) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate federal emergency management activities. This report examines the law which consolidates federal emergency authorities and resources into EPR--but not terrorism preparedness activities, which are administered by the Border and Transportation Security Directorate within DHS. This report provides summaries of and references to the entities that constitute EPR, as well as brief statements of issues that may come before the 108th Congress.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Bea, Keith; Morgan, Daniel (Daniel L.)

  2003-06-25
• Department of Homeland Security: Consolidation of Border and Transportation Security Agencies [Updated December 24, 2002]

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  The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296) transfers several border and transportation security agencies to the newly established Department of Homeland Security, consolidating some of them in a Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. The Act charges this new directorate with securing the borders; territorial waters; terminals; waterways; and air, land and sea transportation systems of the United States; and managing the nation's ports of entry. As in the past, the challenge for policymakers is to provide a level of border and transportation security that is commensurate with a multitude of threats, while facilitating legitimate travel and commerce, as well as protecting civil liberties. Included in this report are conceptual definitions for "border management" and "border security;" descriptions of the missions of the principal border management agencies; brief discussion of seaport and transportation security, since both are integral to border security; and a brief exploration of issues raised by transferring the Federal Protective Service, the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to this new directorate. The report concludes with a summary of major issues that are likely to emerge regarding the establishment and effective operations of the Border and Transportation Security Directorate.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2002-12-24
• Gun Control Legislation in the 108th Congress [Updated January 27, 2003]

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  From the Summary: "Congress continues to debate the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Since 1934, various federal laws have been enacted to promote such regulation. The two most significant federal statutes controlling firearms held by civilians are the National Firearms Act of 1934 and the Gun Control Act of 1968. The 1934 Act established strict registration requirements and a transfer tax on machine guns and short-barreled long guns. The 1968 Act prohibits mail-order and interstate sales of firearms, prohibits transfers to minors and other prohibited persons, and sets forth penalties and licensing requirements for manufacturers, importers, and dealers. Gun control advocates argue that federal regulation of firearms curbs access by criminals, juveniles, and other 'high-risk' individuals. Some seek broad policy changes such as near-prohibition of non-police handgun ownership or the registration of all firearm owners or firearms. Others advocate less comprehensive policies that they maintain would not impede ownership and legitimate firearm transfers. Opposition to federal controls is strong. [...] While several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced in the 108th Congress that represent a variety of positions on federal regulation of firearms, legislative debate and action may develop in the following issue areas: (1) extending, making permanent, or allowing to expire, the semiautomatic assault weapons ban, which sunsets on September 13, 2004; (2) expanding electronic access to disqualifying records under the Brady criminal background check system; (3) expanding federally-supported ballistic imaging to enhance law enforcement efforts; and (4) further regulating firearm transfers at gun shows."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2003-01-27
• Terrorism: Automated Lookout Systems and Border Security Options and Issues [June 18, 2001]

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  "Border security and the threat of international terrorism are issues of intense congressional concern, as is evidenced by recent congressional hearings held to examine these issues in the 107th Congress. The challenge for policy makers is to provide for a level of border security that is commensurate with threats from abroad, while facilitating legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. This report presents five options that have been discussed by international security specialists for strengthening the processes by which persons who are known to be members or supporters of foreign terrorist organizations are excluded from entry into the United States. Those options include (1) making it more difficult to counterfeit and alter international travel documents, (2) increasing entry/exit control mechanisms at international ports of entry, (3) increasing staff and technology for consular and federal inspection services, (4) enhancing recordkeeping on the visa status and whereabouts of foreign students in the United States, and (5) expanding the current visa lookout system to include data on members of international organized crime groups."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2001-06-18
• Foreign Terrorists and the Availability of Firearms and Black Powder in the United States

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  Foreign terrorists could exploit, and probably have exploited in some cases, the general availability of firearms, ammunition, and, in some cases, explosives in the United States through either legal or illegal channels. In many ways, the 28 questions addressed in this memorandum are parallel to existing issues regarding the increased federal regulation of firearms. It does not provide definitive answers to these questions but rather, it provides background on the underlying issues - many of which apply to citizens as well as to foreign terrorists. This memorandum is organized into six sections that: provide an overview in the form of brief responses that are grouped into major issue areas; consider the term "foreign terrorist" based on definitions of terrorism, including international terrorism; outline categories of persons prohibited from possessing firearms and noncitizen eligibility to possess and purchase firearms and ammunition; examine issues related to the federal regulation of firearm transfers, multiple sales, Brady Act background checks, record retention and access, and gun shows; provide background on semiautomatic assault weapons and 50-caliber sniper rifles; and briefly examine federal regulation of black powder.

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2003-05-16
• Immigration: Visa Entry/Exit Control System [Updated November 9, 1998]

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  "Section 110 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (Division C of P.L. [Public Law] 104-208) requires the Attorney General to establish an automated entry/exit control system to record non-citizen arrivals and departures at all ports of entry by September 30, 1998. The FY1999 Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 105-277) amends Section 110 to extend the September 30, 1998 deadline to March 31, 2001 for land border and sea ports of entry, but leaves the FY1998 deadline (now October 15, 1998) in place for air ports of entry. This report provides background and analysis on Section 110 and issues related to increasing arrival/departure management at air, land border, and sea ports of entry. This report reflects final action of the 105th Congress and will not be updated."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.; Wasem, Ruth Ellen

  1998-11-09
• Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and Dangers, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eleventh Congress, First Session, April 1, 2009

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  This is the April 1, 2009 hearing on "Future of Fusion Centers: Potential Promise and Dangers," held before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement of Jane Harman: "This committee has said this many times that it won't be a bureaucrat in Washington who will thwart the next terror attack. It will be a cop on the beat, familiar with the rhythms and nuances of her neighborhood, who will notice something suspicious and be best positioned to do something about it. Fusion centers are uniquely local for this reason. One size cannot fit all, because communities and their populations are diverse, and so are their geographies. So it is fusion centers, in my view, who are the tool, hopefully, to empower that cop to know what to look for and what to do. But steps need to be taken to get this effort right. [...] This subcommittee held two hearings in the last Congress to address efforts underway to provide fusion centers with the mission focus, structure, and privacy and civil liberties resources they need to protect our homeland, while preserving our Constitution, which, obviously, is necessary to protect all of us. Today's hearing is intended to continue the examination of the challenges that fusion centers face, and to dispel some of the myths that still exist." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Jane Harman, Michael T. McCaul, Leroy D. Baca, Robert Riegle, Russell M. Porter, John E. Bateman, Bruce Fein, Ned Norris, and David D. Gersten.

  United States. Government Printing Office. Federal Security Agency

  2010
• National Network of Fusion Centers: Perception and Reality

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  From the Abstract: "The National Network of Fusion Centers (the Network) is one of many organizational efforts the nation has undergone to help bolster its counterterrorism prevention and response efforts. Since its creation in the years following the 9/11 attacks, the Network has garnered both accolades and criticisms, resulting in an uneven opinion about fusion center functions and performance. The diverse opinions that are held of the Network appear at times to be based on perceptions incongruent with some of the realities of current Network operations and which lead to an undervaluation of its contributions. This research examined the points of opposition between supporters and critics of the Network and identified strategies employed by the Network to mitigate areas of concern, in order to define the relationship or gap between actual performance and the perception of performance of the Network held by external (to the Network) parties. This research employed a modified version of the multi-goal policy analysis method as a guide for the conduct of analysis. This study recommends a recalibration of these perceptions."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Klem, Nicholas

  2014-12
• Integration of Behavioral Threat Management into Fusion Center Operations to Prevent Mass or Targeted Violence

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  From the Abstract: "Incidents of mass or targeted violence seem to occur without warning and lead us to conclude that nothing may be done to prevent them. These incidents may take the forms of mass shootings, stabbings, vehicular attacks, and other methods designed to kill or injure many people. Opportunities to detect and interdict potential attackers may exist. The literature identifies a host of warning behaviors that may be useful in detecting and disrupting acts of violence. This thesis examines the opportunities available to the nation's 78 fusion centers to help prevent mass or targeted violence by learning to conduct behavioral threat assessments and management activities. Analysis of four police agencies that conduct behavioral threat assessments is conducted. Also, the National Network of Fusion Centers is explored to determine whether behavioral threat assessment and management may be a good tool to incorporate into current violence prevention efforts. It was found that fusion centers already perform basic behavioral analysis through the vetting of suspicious activity reports as part of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative. Preventive efforts may be more successful should principles of behavioral threat assessment and management be incorporated into fusion center operations."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Marks, W. Payne

  2016-12
• State and Local Intelligence Fusion Centers: An Evaluative Approach in Modeling a State Fusion Center

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  From the Abstract: "In the final report on the attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) found that the attacks were successful in part because information was not shared and analysis not pooled among the different agencies across all levels of government. Since that time, there have been significant strides to improve cooperation and close the intelligence gaps among the different intelligence and law enforcement services. Effective terrorism prevention, however, requires information and intelligence fusion as a cooperative process at all levels of government so that the flow of intelligence can be managed to support the identification of emerging threats to our homeland. This thesis explains the value of a state/regional fusion center by examining three successful fusion centers in Arizona, Georgia, and Los Angeles. Recommendations from each agency on lessons learned as well as independent research have been provided to help state and local agencies develop their own fusion centers."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Forsyth, William A.

  2005-09
• Fusion Center Challenges: Why Fusion Centers Have Failed to Meet Intelligence Sharing Expectations

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  From the Abstract: "This thesis intends to uncover why critics have cited fusion centers at the national, regional, and state levels of the Intelligence Community (IC) for the inability to share intelligence. The research method examines three case studies: the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC), the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC), and state and local fusion centers now combined into a National Network. All three case studies reveal how fusion centers at these various levels of the IC have been inhibited from sharing information because of three primary challenges: (1) the absence of a standardized model, (2) an insufficient concentration on counterterrorism (CT) as a mission, and (3) underdeveloped or missing external agency partnerships, although each challenge often affects each particular case study in different ways. For NCTC, external partnerships exhibit the most prevalent challenge at the national level; for EPIC, the diffusion of its mission creates the most difficult obstacle for it to overcome; and for the National Network, standardization precludes state and local fusion centers from sharing information while barring them from a more refined mission-set and better, more reciprocal partnerships."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Salvatore, Shane A.

  2018-03
• Fusion Centers and Federalism: Erosion or Enhancement?

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  From the Abstract: "This thesis examines the broader federalism implications of fusion centers. From a constitutional perspective, these bodies matter because they stand squarely at the crossroads of federal, state, law enforcement, and intelligence concerns. Although collating state law enforcement information existed prior to 9/11, the growing linkage with a 'national' homeland security mission spawns an entirely new set of issues. The lines separating the levels and responsibilities of government, once clear and distinct, have now become ambiguous and confusing, thereby enabling states to reassert their power vis-à-vis the federal government. The decentralized nature of the overall homeland security apparatus and the growing complexity of the assigned tasks enables fusion centers, and thus the states themselves to rise in stature. Because each state is free to tailor its own security framework, fusion centers enjoy the kind of flexibility urgently needed in today's domestic security environment. This thesis addresses the recent advances in federalism by exploring two pillars of fusion center characteristics. The first section can be construed to be the 'hardware' piece; that is, the missions and structures under which they operate. The second section investigates the 'software' side, or the databases and networks containing the information and intelligence."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Fries, Thomas E.

  2013-03
• Federated Search Tools in Fusion Centers: Bridging Databases in the Information Sharing Environment

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  From the Abstract: "This research utilized a semi-structured survey instrument delivered to subject matter experts within the national network of fusion centers and employed a constant comparison method to analyze the survey results. This 'smart practice' exploration informed through an appreciative inquiry lens found considerable variation in how fusion centers plan for, gather requirements, select and acquire federated search tools to bridge disparate databases. These findings confirmed the initial hypothesis that fusion centers have received very little guidance on how to bridge disconnected databases to enhance the analytical process. This research should contribute to the literature by offering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by fusion centers, when considering integrating federated search tools; by evaluating the importance of the planning, requirements gathering, selection and acquisition processes for integrating federated search tools; by acknowledging the challenges faced by some fusion centers during these integration processes; and identifying possible solutions to mitigate those challenges. As a result, the research will be useful to individual fusion centers and more broadly, the National Fusion Center Association, which provides leadership to the national network of fusion centers by sharing lessons learned, smart practices, and other policy guidance."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Wormet, Jody R.

  2012-09
• Fusion Centers: Securing America's Heartland from Threats

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  From the Abstract: "The attacks of September 11, 2001, were a wakeup call for the United States. In the aftermath, the U.S. government created the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate the efforts of securing the nation's porous borders. One of the many tools developed to secure the nation was the development of a network of state and local fusion centers throughout the country. This thesis examines the effectiveness of fusion centers as a network of information collaboration to counter illegal activity by involving rural residents and local law enforcement as force multipliers in sparsely populated border states. This study incorporates case studies from the states of North Dakota and Washington, as both are northern tier states whose geographical diversities and challenges are representative of problems facing any northern border state. The results of this study suggest that fusion centers, while still in their infancy, are an effective tool to enhance information flow and provide leadership the ability to centralize efforts to leverage resources to counter both natural and manmade events."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  Saari, Shane C.

  2010-12
• Federal Government Intelligence Sharing with State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement: An Assessment Ten Years After 9/11, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, Second Session, February 28, 2012

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  This is the February 28, 2012 hearing on "Federal Government Intelligence Sharing with State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement: An Assessment Ten Years After 9/11," held before the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. From the opening statement of Patrick Meehan: "Over the last year, the subcommittee has held hearings on a number of issues related to intelligence sharing and DHS's role when coordinating with its State, local, and Tribal partners to collect, analyze, share, and disseminate critical intelligence to the public and to private stakeholders Nation-wide. It is an important time right now, because we are 10 years after 9/11. It is important we assess the role of fusion centers as members of the National, State, and local intelligence and law enforcement communities and ask the important questions about their performance to date and discuss the outlook for the future. I had the opportunity to be the United States attorney in Philadelphia after 9/11, took office just 6 days, and we as an entire Nation were responding to the new challenge of information sharing. I remember the initiation of fusion center programs, and supported them. However, today what was envisioned 10 years ago appears to be different in some measures to what is currently in place today." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Patrick Meehan, Brian Higgins, Scott McAllister, Louis Quijas, Eric Velez-Villar, and Maurita J. Bryant.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2013
• State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Fourteenth Congress, Second Session, September 8, 2016

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  This is the September 8, 2016 hearing on "State and Local Perspectives on Federal Information Sharing," held before the House of Representatives Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security. From the opening statement Peter T. King: "The subcommittee is meeting today to hear testimony from 3 National law enforcement associations regarding the importance of information sharing and on-going challenges. I would like to personally welcome the Members of the subcommittee, express my appreciation to the witnesses who traveled here today. I really appreciate you taking the time to be here. Now I recognize myself for an opening statement. Nearly 19 months ago, this subcommittee held a hearing entitled 'Addressing the Remaining Gaps in Federal, State, and Local Information Sharing.' We heard from the same impressive panel that is before us again today, and a lot has happened since then. During the initial hearing, the witnesses raised a number of important issues, including the need for cyber expertise within State and local law enforcement, providing fusion centers with greater access to FBI terrorism-related data, and concerns about the impact of encrypted communications platforms for law enforcement and counterterrorism investigations. A number of specific recommendations for the Department of Homeland Security were also raised, such as providing greater access to security clearances, empowering I&A (intelligence and analysis) field personnel, and expanding the homeland security information network, just to name a few." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Richard Beary, Mike Sena, and Cedric Alexander.

  United States. Government Publishing Office

  2017
• Performance Measures Definitions Guide: Measuring the Performance of the National Network of Fusion Centers

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  From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Website: "The Performance Measures Definitions Guide (PMDG) is the product of a collaborative effort led by the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) State and Local Program Office (SLPO) in cooperation with federal, state, and local fusion center stakeholders. These partners collectively developed an initial set of five performance measures that were implemented as part of the 2012 Fusion Center Assessment (2012 Assessment) and have since collaborated to develop a comprehensive suite of 45 performance measures designed to capture data on National Network impacts across a range of mission areas, including enhancing threat awareness and decision making, supporting law enforcement operations, and supporting incident response efforts. The attached PMDG, version 1.0, defines these measures and explains the data collection methodology for each. This version of the PMDG covers the entire suite of 45 National Network performance measures, 34 of which were implemented as part of the 2013 Assessment. These 34 measures will remain in place, without change, for the 2014 Assessment cycle. The PMDG is intended to be a living document. SLPO will lead a periodic review process involving the entire fusion center stakeholder community to ensure that measure definitions and data collection approaches remain up-to-date, accurate, and meaningful. This review process will allow all partners to provide input and feedback on current measure language and to propose new measures or revised language as needed. The review process will align with the annual assessment process to ensure that updates to the measures are accounted for in data collection approaches, including the annual assessment process."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Intelligence and Analysis

  2014-04
• Building Safer Communities: The Importance of Effective Federal-Local Collaboration in Law Enforcement, Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Twelfth Congress, First Session, Wilmington, Deleware, June 20, 2011

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  This is the June 20, 2011 hearing on "Building Safer Communities: The Importance of Effective Federal-Local Collaboration in Law Enforcement," held before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. From the opening statement of Christopher A. Coons: "The goal of this hearing is to examine how well federal and local collaboration, including both information-sharing and funding support, is working using Delaware as a model. We will examine Delaware's fusion center, which serves as the information and analysis nerve center, for information at every level that affects Delaware's public safety. We will also examine the use of joint task forces which our local police and federal partners have established to bring a merged operational focus to counterterrorism, as well as to keeping our streets safe from gangs, drugs and guns. We will also look at formal information-sharing arrangements. While Delaware's small size and the much-vaunted Delaware way of doing business have helped allow Delaware to innovate in these informal partnering arrangements, they can also serve, I believe, as models for States of any sizes." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Mark Brunswick, James Burch, Robert Coupe, Drewry Fennell, James Hosfelt, Richard McFeely, and James Nolan.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2012
• Gun Control Legislation [November 22, 2011]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. Since March 2011, much of the gun control debate in the 112th Congress has swirled around allegations that the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) mishandled a Phoenix, AZ-based gun trafficking investigation known as 'Operation Fast and Furious.' Senator Charles Grassley, ranking minority Member on the Committee on the Judiciary, and Representative Darrell Issa, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, have issued two joint staff reports on Operation Fast and Furious, and the House committee has held three related hearings. On November 1, 2011, a high-ranking DOJ official testified before the Senate Judiciary's Crime and Terrorism Subcommittee that he had identified 'gun walking' as a potentially risk laden investigative technique in April 2010 in connection with another ATF investigation, Operation Wide Receiver, but failed to inform the Attorney General about the potential risks […] This report concludes with discussion of other salient and recurring gun control issues that have generated past congressional interest. Those issues include (1) screening firearms background check applicants against terrorist watch lists, (2) reforming the regulation of federally licensed gun dealers, (3) requiring background checks for private firearms transfers at gun shows, (4) more-strictly regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' and (5) banning or requiring the registration of certain long-range .50 caliber rifles, which are commonly referred to as 'sniper' rifles. To set these and other emerging issues in context, this report provides basic firearms-related statistics, an overview of federal firearms law, and a summary of legislative action in the 111th Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2011-11-22
• Gun Control Legislation in the 113th Congress [August 1, 2014]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. The mass shooting in Newtown, CT, along with other mass shootings in Aurora, CO, and Tucson, AZ, restarted the national gun control debate. The Senate had considered a range of legislative proposals, including several that President Barack Obama supports as part of his national gun violence reduction plan. The most salient of these proposals would (1) require background checks for intrastate firearms transfers between unlicensed persons at gun shows and nearly any other venue, otherwise known as the 'universal background checks' proposal; (2) increase penalties for gun trafficking; and (3) reinstate and strengthen an expired federal ban on detachable ammunition magazines of over 10-round capacity and certain 'military style' firearms commonly described as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' which are designed to accept such magazines. On March 21, 2013, Senator Harry Reid introduced the Safe Communities, Safe Schools Act of 2013 (S. 649). As introduced, this bill included the language of several bills previously reported by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary: (1) the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act of 2013 (S. 54), (2) the Fix Gun Checks Act of 2013 (S. 374), and (3) the School Safety Enhancements Act of 2013 (S. 146). However, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 (S. 150) was not included in S. 649. From April 17-18, 2013, the Senate considered S. 649 and nine amendments that addressed a wide array of gun control issues, ranging from restricting assault weapons to mandating interstate recognition (reciprocity) of state handgun concealed carry laws. By unanimous consent, the Senate agreed that adoption of these amendments would require a 60-vote threshold. However, all but two of these amendments were rejected. But, a final vote was not taken on S. 649."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2014-08-01
• Gun Control Proposals in the 113th Congress: Universal Background Checks, Gun Trafficking, and Military Style Firearms [June 7, 2013]

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  "Congress has debated the efficacy and constitutionality of federal regulation of firearms and ammunition, with strong advocates arguing for and against greater gun control. The mass shooting in Newtown, CT, along with other mass shootings in Aurora, CO, and Tucson, AZ, has restarted the national gun control debate. Members of the 113th Congress could consider a range of legislative proposals, including several that President Barack Obama has announced his support for as part of his national gun violence reduction plan. The most salient of the President's legislative proposals would (1) require background checks for intrastate firearms transfers between unlicensed persons at gun shows and nearly any other venue, otherwise known as the 'universal background checks' proposal; (2) increase penalties for gun trafficking; and (3) reinstate and strengthen an expired federal ban on detachable ammunition magazines of over 10- round capacity and certain 'military style' firearms commonly described as 'semiautomatic assault weapons,' which are designed to accept such magazines."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2013-06-07
• Gun Legislation in the 109th Congress [March 31, 2005]

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  "The 109th Congress is likely to continue the national debate over the efficacy and constitutionality of further federal regulation of firearms and ammunition. Several dozen gun control-related proposals are likely to be introduced that will represent a variety of positions on gun control. If past congressional action is indicative, however, only a handful of bills will likely receive significant legislative action. Congress may reconsider a 'gun industry liability' bill, which passed the House in the last Congress (H.R. 1036), but not the Senate (S. [Senate bill] 1805). This bill has been reintroduced in both chambers (H.R. 800/S. 397). Three other firearm-related issues that may receive consideration include (1) further regulating certain firearms previously defined in statute as 'assault weapons,' (2) requiring background checks for private firearm transfers at gun shows, and (3) retaining Brady background check records for approved firearm transactions."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Krouse, William J.

  2005-03-31
• Federal Support for Involvement in State and Local Fusion Centers, Majority and Minority Staff Report, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, United States Senate

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  This Majority and Minority Staff Report was issued by Senators Carl Levin and Tom Coburn of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. From the Executive Summary: "Sharing terrorism-related information between state, local and federal officials is crucial to protecting the United States from another terrorist attack. Achieving this objective was the motivation for Congress and the White House to invest hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars over the last nine years in support of dozens of state and local fusion centers across the United States. The Subcommittee investigation found that DHS-assigned detailees to the fusion centers forwarded 'intelligence' of uneven quality -- oftentimes shoddy, rarely timely, sometimes endangering citizens' civil liberties and Privacy Act protections, occasionally taken from already-published public sources, and more often than not unrelated to terrorism. Congress directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to lead this initiative. A bipartisan investigation by the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations has found, however, that DHS' work with those state and local fusion centers has not produced useful intelligence to support federal counterterrorism efforts. The Subcommittee investigation also found that DHS officials' public claims about fusion centers were not always accurate. For instance, DHS officials asserted that some fusion centers existed when they did not. At times, DHS officials overstated fusion centers' 'success stories.' At other times, DHS officials failed to disclose or acknowledge non-public evaluations highlighting a host of problems at fusion centers and in DHS' own operations. Since 2003, over 70 state and local fusion centers, supported in part with federal funds, have been created or expanded in part to strengthen U.S. intelligence capabilities, particularly to detect, disrupt, and respond to domestic terrorist activities. DHS' support for and involvement with these state and local fusion centers has, from the beginning, centered on their professed ability to strengthen federal counterterrorism efforts."

  United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

  2012-10-03
• Fusion 2.0: The Next Generation of Fusion in California: Aligning State and Regional Fusion Centers

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  From the Abstract: "A growing number of states have created multiple fusion centers, including California. In addition to having a state fusion center, California has four regional centers statewide. Each center is separately governed, but intended to work together as a unified, statewide system. Given their recognized autonomy, the relationship between California's fusion centers is voluntary and 'horizontal' versus 'hierarchical,' with no single entity in charge. Consequently, the attainment and sustainment of a robust and synchronized partnership between California's fusion centers is dependent upon each center's commitment to collaborate. Current research has focused largely on building collaboration within fusion centers, as opposed to between fusion centers. This research seeks to identify the appropriate role and mission of California's state fusion center as it relates to strengthening stakeholder relationships, collaboration, and sustainability, through the analysis of data captured from California's regional centers, sheriffs and police chiefs, and examining the roles and methods of other state fusion centers in states with multiple centers. From this research, this thesis recommends a series of collaborative initiatives intended to help strengthen intra-state fusion center collaboration, more properly align state and regional fusion center efforts, and enhance sustainability through maintained relevancy and added value to stakeholders and customers."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

  MacGregor, David S.

  2010-03
• Cybersecurity: Utilizing Fusion Centers to Protect State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Entities Against Cyber Threats

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  From the Abstract: "Many areas of the cyber domain of American citizens are under attack: critical infrastructure, electrical grids, banks, businesses, government, and personally identifiable information (identity theft, medical records, child exploitation, etc.). Although the focus of recent cybersecurity legislation has provided additional authorities to federal agencies, a key concern for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) government entities is this: What is the best way to protect computer networks at the state and local level? State and local governments have the responsibility to protect dams, freeway systems, power and water plants, emergency communications, personal identifiable information, health care records, educational institutions, and banking systems. The array of responsibilities and the cybersecurity threat landscape make state- and local-level computer networks fertile ground for the cyber adversary. This research focuses on the threat to SLTT computer networks and how to leverage information-sharing initiatives, cybersecurity policies and state and local fusion centers to prevent, mitigate, and deter cyber threats targeted at SLTT computer networks."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Flynn, Payton A., Sr.

  2016-09
• Eyes of the Storm: Can Fusion Centers Play a Crucial Role During the Response Phase of Natural Disasters Through Collaborative Relationships with Emergency Operations Centers?

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  From the Abstract: "Through the maturation of the national network of fusion centers, processes and capabilities originally designed to detect and thwart terrorist attacks are now applied to disaster responses. The fusion process, which involves the synthesis and analysis of streams of data, can create incident specific intelligence. The sharing of this information can enhance the operating picture that is critical to key decision makers and the discipline of emergency management. This thesis examined three case studies of fusion center disaster responses through a collaborative-based analytical framework. The resulting analysis of the case studies identified the crucial role played by fusion centers in responding to disaster events in a collaborative effort with emergency operations centers. This thesis concludes that fusion centers offer the greatest impact through enabling information sharing throughout the response phase. The specific benefits of the sharing of information directly influence executive briefings and the deployment of resources. This thesis also modeled a collaborative response. The research determined that the depth and breadth of these relationships involving cooperative responses must be proportionate to the incident and include a level of redundancy. Through a system design model, overconnectivity through efficiency was shown to increase the likelihood of fracturing cooperative relationships."

  Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

  Coyle, Timothy P.

  2014-09