2006 DPS Annual Report - Arizona Department of Public Safety

Criminal
Investigations
Division
DPS becomes PCII compliant in fight against terrorism
Threat Vulnerability Assessments (TVA) are being stored in a pilot program called Automated Critical Asset Management
System (ACAMS), administered by U.S. Department of Homeland Security. It is currently in use in Los
Angeles area and other California sites. The information is secured through the Protected Critical Infrastructure
Information (PCII) system. The PCII system meets the requirements of A.R.S. §26-373 which mandates DPS,
through AcTIC, to develop a system to track critical infrastructure information. The concepts that were originally
developed under the TVA program have been expanded to provide a fluid statewide asset categorization and
prioritization system for sorting and addressing potential threats, vulnerabilities and for predicting the targeting of
sites deemed as possible objects of terrorism or by encroachments from the criminal element.
The system provides a method to analyze and apply emerging threats into the evaluation formula in order to provide
current and pertinent intelligence data into the system to provide the most accurate image of current conditions and
potential threats. To date, the Threat Mitigation Unit has identified approximately 470 sites within Arizona that are
deemed as appropriate for consideration under the program. Since the system is internet based, it will allow
remote access by facility representatives in order to update threat and assessment information.
Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) Program provides on-site support
For agencies not able to assign personnel to AcTIC, the Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) program was created.
The TLO program identifies an agency liaison within each public-safety agency in Arizona. These liaisons are a
direct link between AcTIC and their agency for sharing information and gathering intelligence. The TLO program
was originally formulated in Los Angeles and Arizona expanded the program to include threat and vulnerability
assessments and on-site response to emergency events. The TLO program includes fire service agencies and
police agencies within Arizona. The TLO is also working to develop outreach programs to the private sector and
non-law enforcement public sector, which includes Arizona security agencies that are responsible for protecting
critical infrastructures.
Minuteman Project spurs national attention
The Minuteman Project and counter-illegal immigration groups along the U.S. border with Mexico brought national
attention to the U.S. immigration issues. The United States borders have been identified as a homeland security
concern for which the Minuteman Project targeted multiple locations along the southern Arizona
border. Homeland security is a top priority for law enforcement and the primary role of
the AcTIC is the collection, analysis and dissemination of timely counterintelligence information.
The potential for violence was assessed as well as the identification of logistics that
would benefit law enforcement should the contradictory groups gathering engage in potential
conflicts. All information was directed to the AcTIC Watch Center as a central point of
contact to assist in optimal tactical responses and de-confliction of information.
GIS expands server capacity to meets State’s needs
The Geographical Information System (GIS) located at AcTIC has the largest repository of special data available
in the state. Memorandums of understanding are in place to address each participating agency maintaining their
own data integrity and standardized sharing policies are in place. The formalized ability to share data between
agencies has enhanced mapping capabilities and alleviated jurisdictional boundary barriers.
55