Review of Domestic Sharing of Counterterrorism Information

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The OIGs also identified improvements in various practices and processes of the partners involved in counterterrorism. At DHS, a lack of unity in its Intelligence Enterprise, issues in the field related to staffing and access to classified systems and facilities, as well as problems with intelligence reporting processes, have made the DHS Intelligence Enterprise less effective and valuable to the IC than it could be. DOJ can improve its counterterrorism information sharing efforts by developing and implementing a consolidated internal DOJ strategy, and evaluating the continued need and most effective utilization for the United States Attorney’s Offices’ Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) meetings. Further, the FBI should spur participation associated with Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF) and improve its efforts to obtain partners’ input in the process of identifying and prioritizing counterterrorism threats. Within the ODNI, the Domestic DNI Representative program is hindered by large geographic regions, as well as the lack of a clear strategic vision and guidance. In addition, the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) Domestic Representative program, although well received in the field, has also struggled to sufficiently cover its regions. At the state and local level, due to unpredictable federal support, fusion centers are focused on sustaining operations rather than enhancing capabilities. Further, varying requirements for state and local security clearances sponsored by federal agencies can impede access to classified systems and facilities. Our review resulted in 23 recommendations to help improve the sharing of counterterrorism information and ultimately, enhance the Nation’s ability to prevent terrorist attacks. We discuss our findings in detail in the Findings and Recommendations section of the report. ii
INTRODUCTION The Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and the Senate Judiciary Committee requested that the Inspectors General (IG) of the Intelligence Community (IC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ) conduct a performance audit of federally supported entities engaged in field-based domestic counterterrorism, homeland security, intelligence, and information-sharing activities in conjunction with state and local law enforcement agencies. The oversight committees requested that the joint audit examine these entities’ overall missions, specific functions, capabilities, funding, personnel costs to include full-time employees and contractors, and facility costs. In response to this request, the Offices of the Inspector General (OIG) of the IC, DHS, and DOJ conducted a coordinated, joint review focusing on domestic sharing of counterterrorism information. The objectives of this review were to: (1) identify and examine the federally supported field-based intelligence entities engaged in counterterrorism information sharing to determine the overall missions, specific functions, capabilities, funding, and personnel and facility costs; (2) determine if counterterrorism information is being adequately and appropriately shared with all participating agencies; and (3) identify any gaps or duplication of effort among these entities. The review was conducted by three teams from the OIGs of the IC, DHS, and DOJ. The OIGs interviewed more than 450 individuals, including senior Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), DHS, DOJ, and state and local officials. In addition, the OIGs reviewed policies, procedures, and other relevant documentation, as well as prior studies. While the OIG teams shared relevant documents, attended briefings, and participated jointly in interviews of officials and subject matter experts, each OIG team was responsible for evaluating the actions of, and information available to, its respective agencies. Background Post 9/11 investigations proposed sweeping change in the IC, resulting in congressional passage of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). 1 As a result of the IRTPA, the ODNI was officially established to lead and integrate the 16 members of the Intelligence Community, and the IRTPA codified the establishment of the National 1 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, PL 108–458, December 17, 2004, 118 Stat 3638. 1
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Conclusion Ensuring the United Stat
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In total, the teams visited field-b
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Recommendations: DHS OIG recommends
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Recommendation: DHS OIG recommends
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14. Identify an appropriate structu
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Recommendations: The IC IG recommen
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APPENDIX C: THE OFFICE OF THE DIREC
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APPENDIX D: THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMEL
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APPENDIX E: THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTI
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