WHEREAS, the ability of state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement authorities to combat crime is greatly enhanced by the collection and dissemination of information on criminal activities; and

WHEREAS, according to the Fusion Center Guidelines: Executive Summary, fusion is the fundamental process to facilitate the sharing of homeland security-related and crime-related information and intelligence. Fusion manages the flow of information and intelligence across all levels and sectors of government and private industry; and

WHEREAS, according to the Fusion Center Guidelines: Executive Summary, a fusion center is an effective and efficient mechanism to exchange information and intelligence, maximize resources, streamline operations, and improve the ability to fight crime and terrorism by merging data from a variety of sources; and

WHEREAS, in 2004 and 2005, many states began creating fusion centers with various local, state, and federal funds; and

WHEREAS, collecting and sharing intelligence is a critical component in the countrys ability to analyze and share information by ensuring that investigative links are made to help combat crime; and

WHEREAS, many of those who commit violent crimes are also involved in other criminal activity such as drug trafficking, auto theft, alien smuggling, extortion, fraud, identity theft and weapons trafficking; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police duly assembled at its 117th Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, recommends that, in an effort to strengthen efforts to combat drug trafficking, gang violence and other serious crimes, state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement fusion centers include greater collection and dissemination of information on all crimes as part of their integrated information and intelligence sharing missions.

Submitted by: Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs Committee
NDD.017.a10