Terrorism
Mission Diluted at Anti-terrorism 'Fusion Centers'
So-called “fusion centers,” the local intelligence-sharing centers established post-Sept. 11, 2001, have been diverted from their anti-terrorism missions.
So says a report by the Government Accountability Office, which was obtained by the Associated Press.
The 43 centers were meant to coordinate resources, but instead are focusing on common street crime and natural disasters, such as hurricanes. The AP reports that only two of the centers—those in Kansas and Rhode Island—remain devoted exclusively to preventing terrorism.
The article notes that the GAO report backs up an earlier Congressional look at the centers, many of which are run by state police or local law enforcement agencies.
