Task one

Click on the following link(s) for the Phase 3 Reading Assignment:

• USIC Information Sharing Strategy

Information-Sharing Technologies and Intelligence Gathering

Information-sharing techniques and technologies include multiple methods based on their focus or limitations. HUMINT (human intelligence), sensors, surveillance, biometrics, and fusion centers all contribute to the massive effort to collect, analyze, and act on relevant information related to the safety and security of the nation.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

• Select 3 of the following information-collecting methodologies used by homeland security agencies:
  • HUMINT (human intelligence)
  • Sensors
  • CCTV surveillance
  • Biometric scanning
  • Fusion centers
  • Data mining/data profiling
• Address the following for each of your 3 selected technologies:
  • Do you feel that the technology is effective with regard to its intended purpose? Why or why not?
  • In your opinion, what limitations are present with the technology in its current state? Explain.
    • Consider both technological limitations and human use limitations.
  • How often, if at all, do you feel that the technology is used outside of its intended purpose? Explain.
    • How difficult do you think it would be to use the technology for illegal activity? Explain.
• What impact do you think your selected technologies have on homeland security agencies?
• What impact do you think the selected technologies have on the general population of the United States? Explain.

Task

• USIC Information Sharing Strategy

You have been asked to examine information-sharing and intelligence agencies at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Among the 22 agencies that make up DHS, many have intelligence-gathering and information-collecting authorities and responsibilities. Your task is to outline an information and intelligence essay that addresses the following offices and agencies in DHS:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Assignment Guidelines

• In this assignment, you will write an essay that outlines intelligence and information offices and agencies in the DHS. You must include the following agencies:
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• You should provide descriptions of approximately 100–150 words for each agency.
  • State whether the agency or office operates at the local, state, or federal level.
• Finally, address the following in approximately 200–250 words:
  • How is information sharing facilitated among the agencies and offices at the various levels of government? Explain.
• Be sure to reference any sources using APA style.