The following information is taken directly from the DHS fusion centers own information which they present to the public.
What is a Terrorism Liaison Officer? http://tlo.org/what_is_tlo.html
What is a Terrorism Liaison Officer?
A Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) is a individual that functions as the principle point of contact for a public safety agency in matters related to terrorism information. The TLO, though not necessarily an expert in terrorism, attends meetings and receives terrorism training and information from the local Fusion Center, or other local entities engaged in terrorism intelligence or investigations. The TLO then educates others within his or her department or area of responsibility.
TLOs are a vital link in keeping those engaged in public safety professions aware of current terrorist tactics, techniques, and practices. Through the diligent performance of their duties, public safety personnel are alerted to terrorism indicators and warnings that might otherwise go unreported.
TLOs are typically contacted when suspicious activities are witnessed that could potentially be related to terrorism. They in turn forward the lead or Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) to their local police, Fusion Center, or the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).
TLOs raise the level of prevention and preparedness within our communities and better prepare public safety personnel to deal effectively with the threat of terrorism.
What if my department doesn’t have a TLO?
This is easy. After securing the necessary approval from your agency, contact your local Fusion Center. They will assist you in getting started and will direct you to the appropriate contact person in your area.
What are some of the typical duties for a TLO?
Duties and responsibilities of the TLO may include the following:
The collecting, reporting, retrieving, and sharing of materials related to terrorism.
The source person for internal or external inquiry.
The contact for communicating with community stakeholders in matters related to terrorism.
The contact person for community and private sector relationships.
The person who conducts, coordinates, and/or facilitates departmental training with regard to terrorism and terrorist related subjects.
The person who conducts, coordinates, and/or facilitates community meetings, conferences, and other information sharing activities.
The designated agency representative to the JTTF, Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEW), or Fusion Center.
Do all TLOs perform the same duties?
No. TLOs can be representatives of police, fire, and public health agencies. Each of these disciplines has unique needs in dealing with the threat of terrorism. Although the education and information received is frequently the same, the role that these agencies play are quite different, therefore information is frequently provided according to the need, and training needs will differ at times.
Are there requirements to become a TLO?
Requirements to serve as a TLO vary from agency to agency. What is most desired in a prospective TLO is good communication skills and a passion for learning about the threat of terrorism and ways to protect our communities.
TLOs should be willing to contribute and give of themselves to the overriding public interest. Reluctant, and/or “ordered,” acceptance of the position will quite probably lead to an unsuccessful outcome.
The TLO must be willing to seek and attend additional education and training that will enhance their ability to perform in this challenging role.
TLOs fill a necessary and vital part of an overall national strategy to counter the threat of terrorism in the United States.
What is the origin of the TLO Program?
Shortly after 9/11, the police chiefs in South Bay, California organized a Terrorism Advisory Group as an effort apart from the existing Los Angeles County Terrorism Early Warning Group (TEW). One of the concepts that came out of this effort was that each agency designated a Terrorism Liaison Officer. These officers became the central point of contact for all terrorism-related information for their respective agencies. But there were limitations.
Recognizing the extraordinary potential for the TLO Program to be a force-multiplier in countering the threat of terrorism, the concept was adopted by the Los Angeles County TEW. The model proved to be a tremendous success and has now expanded nationwide.
Fusion Centers are now the principal points of coordination for the TLO Program.
Because the multi-disciplinary approach to information sharing is vital to the success of any terrorism-related response, the TLO Program has been expanded to include fire department and public health representatives.
https://leb.fbi.gov/2013/january/terror-liaison-officer-training
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NCRIC Terrorism & Infrastructure Liaison Officer Programs
https://ncric.org/default.aspx?menuitemid=629&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1The NCRIC TLO program is limited to: Active Peace Officers, Firefighters, State Investigators, Federal Agents, Military Investigative personnel, or other government employees (working within the public safety /homeland security community) employed within the NCRIC’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
• The NCRIC AOR consists of Alameda, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties.
• TLO’s serve as a principal point of contact for their Agencies in matters related to Terrorism information / intelligence / reporting
• TLO position is an ancillary assignment.
• The TLO program is part of a statewide program administered locally by the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC).
• TLO’s can be an important link in keeping their agencies staff engaged & knowledgeable about current terrorist tactics, techniques & trends, regional crime trends & threats, and Officer safety information.
• TLO’s will have access to an additional secure area where information will be provided. (This feature is currently under construction)
To be certified by the NCRIC as a TLO, qualified applicants must:
• Attend the 8 hour TLO Basic course
• Provide a completed TLO Authorization form
• Sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (to be completed at the training course)
For further information email [email protected]; Subject; TLO Program
NCRIC Infrastructure Liaison Officer (ILO) Program
The Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC) private sector program is provided as a free public service, designed to enhance communication and information sharing between law enforcement, public safety organizations and the private sector. The NCRIC private sector program, which is one of the most progressive of its type in the nation, offers many benefits designed to meet the needs of our membership to include specialized training through the ILO Program as well as the following benefits:
• Direct communication with a law enforcement intelligence center and the National Fusion Center Enterprise
• Regularly published situational awareness updates
• Access to sensitive “For Official Use Only” (FOUO) information which has been developed and provided to reduce risk and vulnerability to Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR)
• Support from the NCRIC CIKR Unit
• Participation in classified DHS briefing (Must possess a valid security clearance to participate)
• Event specific situational awareness briefings
• Participation in the National Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) initiative
• Access to suspicious activity reported in the NCRIC area of responsibility
• Direct communication with the NCRIC Private Sector Program Manager
• Participation in Information sharing meeting
• Low or no cost training opportunities
• Access to the NCRIC members only secure website and associated resources
• Membership in the National Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) and the NCRIC HSIN Portal
• Networking opportunities with other members of the private sector community
• ILO’s will have access to an additional secure area where information will be provided. (This feature is currently under construction)
To be certified by the NCRIC as a ILO, qualified applicants must:
• Attend the 8 hour ILO Basic course
• Become a NCRIC Private Sector Partner
• Sign a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) (to be completed as part of the membership application process)
For further information email [email protected] ; Subject; ILO Program
Click here for more information
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FUSION LIAISON OFFICER (FLO) PROGRAM
http://www.wsfc.wa.gov/FLO
The Fusion Liaison Officer (FLO) Program is a statewide network of agency-selected law enforcement, fire-fighting and critical infrastructure agency representatives. The FLO program serves as an integral component of the Statewide Integrated Intelligence System (SIIS) and provides the mechanism to gather and analyze information, and share actionable intelligence. FLO’s attend a DHS approved basic course of instruction hosted by the Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC).
The FLO program benefits its partners in the following ways:
• Expedites the flow of information throughout the state, providing a more rapid response to matters of both state and national security;
• Increases awareness of pre-incident indicators and warnings of terrorism and significant criminal activity;
• Establishes standardized reporting protocols for the SIIS;
• Opens communication channels between law enforcement, fire-service, critical infrastructure, Regional Intelligence Groups (RIGs) and the WSFC; and
• Enhances SIIS efficiency and effectiveness while increasing information collection opportunities.
The development and coordination of a network of trained and certified FLOs ensures that vital disciplines are incorporated into the fusion process by serving as the conduit through which homeland security and crime related information flows to the WSFC for assessment and analysis through the state homeland security Regional Intelligence Groups.
The goal is to develop a FLO program that complements the SIIS. The end state is to have FLOs throughout the state in all aspects of law enforcement, fire service and critical infrastructure.
FLO Certification Training is hosted throughout the state as demand and funding allow.
FLO CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS
Fusion Liaison Officer Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
• Be a commissioned police officer, or performing a law enforcement function and employed by a law enforcement agency (analyst, mission support, etc).
• Be a government employee or contractor who has a public safety or emergency preparedness job function (firefighter, public safety, emergency preparedness, health, military,etc)
• Be a representative of private sector or non-profit organization that has a job function that demonstrates a “Need to Know” and,
•
o Supports Homeland Security functions, and
o Is considered Critical Infrastructure or a Key Resource, or
o Job Function directly relates to operations, planning, prevention, protection, response or recovery to emergency operations.
The WSFC reserves the right to approve or deny all applications
FLO TRAINING TOPICS
FLO Basic training provides the tools and resources to effectively participate in the FLO Program for the WSFC . The topics include the following:
• Provide a basic understanding of the FLO program.
• Provide instruction on the Statewide Integrated Intelligence System.
• Provide instruction on the WSFC Privacy Policy, the protection of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and 28 CFR Part 23.
• Educate the students in key concepts of intelligence, networking, terrorist infrastructures and emerging threats to better conduct the FLO mission.
• Provide students with a basic understanding of the National Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative.
For more information, contact the WSFC 1-877-843-9522 or email to [email protected]. Completed FLO Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or secure faxed to 206.262.2014.
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What is a Fusion Center?
http://tlo.org/what_is_fusion_center.html
State and major urban area fusion centers (fusion centers) serve as focal points within the state and local environment for the receipt, analysis, gathering, and sharing of threat-related information between the federal government and state, local, tribal, territorial (SLTT) and private sector partners.
Located in states and major urban areas throughout the country, fusion centers are uniquely situated to empower front-line law enforcement, public safety, fire service, emergency response, public health, critical infrastructure protection, and private sector security personnel to understand local implications of national intelligence, thus enabling local officials to better protect their communities. Fusion centers provide interdisciplinary expertise and situational awareness to inform decision-making at all levels of government. They conduct analysis and facilitate information sharing while assisting law enforcement and homeland security partners in preventing, protecting against, and responding to crime and terrorism.
Fusion centers are owned and operated by state and local entities with support from federal partners in the form of deployed personnel, training, technical assistance, exercise support, security clearances, connectivity to federal systems, technology, and grant funding.
Source: http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1156877184684.shtm
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What Is INFRAGARD
https://www.infragard.org/
WELCOME TO INFRAGARD
ABOUT
InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and members of the private sector. The InfraGard program provides a vehicle for seamless public-private collaboration with government that expedites the timely exchange of information and promotes mutual learning opportunities relevant to the protection of Critical Infrastructure. With thousands of vetted members nationally, InfraGard’s membership includes business executives, entrepreneurs, military and government officials, computer professionals, academia and state and local law enforcement; each dedicated to contributing industry specific insight and advancing national security.
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WHAT IS INFRAGARD?
InfraGard is a partnership between the FBI and the private sector. It is an association of persons who represent businesses, academic institutions, state and local law enforcement agencies, and other participants dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to prevent hostile acts against the U.S. Each InfraGard Members Alliance (IMA) is geographically linked with a FBI Field Office, providing all stakeholders immediate access to experts from law enforcement, industry, academic institutions and other federal, state and local government agencies. By utilizing the talents and expertise of the InfraGard network, information is shared to mitigate threats to our nation’s critical infrastructures and key resources. Collaboration and communication are the keys to protection. Providing timely and accurate information to those responsible for safeguarding our critical infrastructures, even at a local level, is paramount in the fight to protect the United States and its resources.
PARTNERSHIP IS OUR KEY RESOURCE
As Americans, our lifestyle, economy, and national security are supported by a complex framework of businesses and services. The central role of these critical infrastructures and key resources (CIKR), however, makes them especially vunerable as targets for both physical and cyber attacks.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) priority programs share the common goal of protecting the nation’s infrastructure and resources against threats posed by criminals and foreign adversaries. In support of their mission, Bureau teams including Cyber, Counterterrorism, Counterintelligence and others rely on close dialogue across government, but also benefit substantially from outside collaboration.
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CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS
There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof.
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Critical Infrastructure Sectors
https://www.dhs.gov/critical-infrastructure-sectors
There are 16 critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital to the United States that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination thereof. Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21): Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience advances a national policy to strengthen and maintain secure, functioning, and resilient critical infrastructure. This directive supersedes Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7.
PPD-21 identifies 16 critical infrastructure sectors:
• Chemical Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Chemical Sector.
• Commercial Facilities Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Commercial Facilities Sector.
• Communications Sector
The Communications Sector is an integral component of the U.S. economy, underlying the operations of all businesses, public safety organizations, and government. The Department of Homeland Security is the Sector-Specific Agency for the Communications Sector.
• Critical Manufacturing Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Critical Manufacturing Sector.
• Dams Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Dams Sector. The Dams Sector comprises dam projects, navigation locks, levees, hurricane barriers, mine tailings impoundments, and other similar water retention and/or control facilities.
• Defense Industrial Base Sector
The U.S. Department of Defense is the Sector-Specific Agency for the Defense Industrial Base Sector. The Defense Industrial Base Sector enables research, development, design, production, delivery, and maintenance of military weapons systems, subsystems, and components or parts to meet U.S. military requirements.
• Emergency Services Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Emergency Services Sector. The sector provides a wide range of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery services during both day-to-day operations and incident response.
• Energy Sector
The U.S. energy infrastructure fuels the economy of the 21st century. The Department of Energy is the Sector-Specific Agency for the Energy Sector.
• Financial Services Sector
The Department of the Treasury is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Financial Services Sector.
• Food and Agriculture Sector
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and Human Services are designated as the co-Sector-Specific Agencies for the Food and Agriculture Sector.
• Government Facilities Sector
The Department of Homeland Security and the General Services Administration are designated as the Co-Sector-Specific Agencies for the Government Facilities Sector.
• Healthcare and Public Health Sector
The Department of Health and Human Services is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Healthcare and Public Health Sector.
• Information Technology Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Information Technology Sector.
• Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector
The Department of Homeland Security is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Nuclear Reactors, Materials, and Waste Sector.
• Transportation Systems Sector
The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Transportation are designated as the Co-Sector-Specific Agencies for the Transportation Systems Sector.
• Water and Wastewater Systems Sector
The Environmental Protection Agency is designated as the Sector-Specific Agency for the Water and Wastewater Systems Sector.
Last Published Date: December 30, 2016
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About DHS
https://www.dhs.gov/about-dhs
The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face. This requires the dedication of more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. Our duties are wide-ranging, and our goal is clear – keeping America safe.
• Mission
With honor and integrity, we will safeguard the American people, our homeland, and our values.
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The list of all Operational and Support Components that make up the Department along with our organization chart and the list of senior leadership.
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The Secretary of Homeland Security oversees the third largest Cabinet department and leads our nation’s efforts to secure our country from terrorism to natural disasters.
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Here’s where the public and others can assess how effectively DHS performs its mission and provides stewardship of resources.
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Challenge your mind and use your skills and talents with a DHS career. Our employees play a vital role to secure our country and preserve our freedoms.
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Public laws are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President. Regulations are issued to carry out the intent of legislation enacted by Congress.
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The Department of Homeland Security combined 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated cabinet agency when it was established in 2002.
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