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Much writing and discussion have focused on fusion centers as a key element of a homeland security strategy within policing. These centers have proponents in the homeland security and public safety policy-making structures, as well as critics from civil liberties groups and privacy advocates. A great deal of misperception exists on all sides of the issue regarding the role of fusion centers and intelligence gathering within policing in general.
The concepts of fusion centers, data fusion, and the associated philosophy of intelligence-led policing are abstract terms often misinterpreted and poorly articulated both in and out of law enforcement. While police departments traditionally have had an intelligence- and information-sharing function, the term fusion may be new to some in the profession.1 Similarly, intelligence-led policing, which has many similarities to community and problemoriented policing, might prove relatively untami liar to some officers.2 As a result, the incorporation of fusion centers and intelligence-led policing principles into routine law enforcement functions has been a slow and uneven process. However, doing so can make police agencies more effective.
DEFINITIONS
Data fusion is "the exchange of i ? fo rm a t i ? ? IVo m d i fferent sources - including law enforcement, public safety, and the private sector - and, with analysis, can result in meaningful and actionable intelligence and information" that can inform both policy and tactical deployment of resources/ Building upon classic problemsolving processes, such as the scanning, analysis, response, and assessment (SARA) model, data fusion capitalizes on a wide array of available data to examine issues ranging from terrorism to traditional street crime. Through data fusion, personnel turn information into knowledge by collecting, processing, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence based upon end users* needs.
Afusión center is a "collaborative effort of two or more agencies that provide resources, expertise, and information to the center with the goal of maximizing their ability to detect, prevent, investigate, and respond to criminal and terrorist activity."4 Fusion centers can identify potential threats through data analysis and enhance investigations through analytical support (e.g.. flow charting and geographic analysis).
Finally, intelligence-led policing (ILP) refers to a "collaborative law enforcement approach combining problemsolving policing, information sharing, and police accountability, with enhanced intelligence operations."5 ILP can guide operational policing activities toward high- frequency offenders,...