In the wake of the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the 9/11 Commission recommended that the U.S. Intelligence Community (USIC) find a way to improve information sharing of terrorism-related intelligence at all three levels of government (local, state, and federal). The USIC’s answer to this recommendation was the creation of intelligence  fusion centers . Since the creation of these intelligence fusion centers, there has been much controversy because of the large amounts of personal information secretly collected and shared within the U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities. In addition, some critics argue that in the years since their creation, fusion centers and the law enforcement entities affiliated with them have moved away from their original purpose and instead have utilized federal grants and resources to fight local crime. Assignment Guidelines In 5–6 paragraphs, address the following: In your opinion, how effective are U.S. fusion centers? Explain. Do you feel that the creation of fusion centers has improved information sharing of terrorism-related information at all three levels of government? Why or why not? Do you feel that fusion centers have ultimately moved away from their intended purpose? Why or why not? Are fusion centers now being used as a local law enforcement tool to help fight local crime? Why or why not? Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your responses to the above questions. Comment on at least 2 other students' posts. In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion Board and comment on at least two other postings. You will be graded on the quality of your postings. For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials. Unit Materials .

1. In the wake of the terrorist attacks in September 2001, the 9/11
Commission recommended that the U.S. Intelligence
Community (USIC) find a way to improve information sharing
of terrorism-related intelligence at all three levels of
government (local, state, and federal). The USIC’s answer to
this recommendation was the creation of intelligence
fusion centers
.
Since the creation of these intelligence fusion centers, there has
been much controversy because of the large amounts of personal
information secretly collected and shared within the U.S.
intelligence and law enforcement communities. In addition,
some critics argue that in the years since their creation, fusion
centers and the law enforcement entities affiliated with them
have moved away from their original purpose and instead have
utilized federal grants and resources to fight local crime.
Assignment Guidelines
In 5–6 paragraphs, address the following:
In your opinion, how effective are U.S. fusion centers? Explain.
Do you feel that the creation of fusion centers has improved
information sharing of terrorism-related information at all three
levels of government? Why or why not?
Do you feel that fusion centers have ultimately moved away
from their intended purpose? Why or why not?
Are fusion centers now being used as a local law enforcement
tool to help fight local crime? Why or why not?
Post a new topic to the Discussion Board that contains your
responses to the above questions.
Comment on at least 2 other students' posts.
In your own words, please post a response to the Discussion
Board and comment on at least two other postings. You will be
graded on the quality of your postings.
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web
resources, and all course materials.

2. Unit Materials