Discussion Post: Information Sharing In Government Agencies
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:
1) Review the assigned pages in Chapter 11 of your course text, Introduction to Homeland Security. Reflect on the definition and importance of risk and crisis communications and the role of media. In addition, reflect on the importance of public information from a national perspective.
2) Review Chapters 3 and 8 of the online article, "A Governor's Guide to Homeland Security." Reflect on the importance of and recommendations for improving risk and crisis communications and public information from the perspective of states.
3) Review the article, "Do You Know Where Your Information is in the Homeland Security Era?" Focus on the issues and challenges related to the use of information sharing, intelligence, biometrics, and data mining during heightened national anxiety or emergency.
4) Using the Internet, research a hazard or terrorist event-historical or contemporary-that occurred in the United States in which information sharing among government agencies in homeland security efforts posed challenges. Please select an event other than the 9/11 attacks or Hurricane Katrina.
5) Think about why information sharing between and among government agencies in the example you researched posed challenges.
6) Identify at least one implication of the lack of information sharing in such cases.
The response must include a reference list. Using one-inch margins, double-space, Times New Roman 12 pnt font and APA style of writing and citations.