4.1

Introduction

The intelligence community is the predictive and analytical arm of the federal and state governments and is made up of multiple agencies at various levels. Due to the large bureaucratic structure of the U.S. intelligence community, information needs to be filtered and shared to prevent national and state-level emergencies. Though intelligence collection and analysis are essential components when trying to counter external and internal threats, intelligence sharing is just as essential. Intelligence sharing initiatives allow governmental intelligence sharing which helps counter potential threats to the homeland. Finally, intelligence sharing is not just also about countering threats, it also has a vital role when responding to natural emergencies. In this activity, you will describe what the U.S. intelligence community mission is and differentiate between federal intelligence collection and state and local intelligence collection. You will also explain how the collaborative intelligence networks and initiatives have promoted intelligence sharing between federal and state agencies.

Initial Post Instructions

explain what the mission of the U.S. intelligence community. Then, describe the difference between federal intelligence collection and state and local intelligence collection. Finally, explain how the collaborative intelligence networks and initiatives have promoted intelligence sharing between federal and state agencies; be sure to touch on the three networks and initiatives the textbook identifies.

4.2

Introduction

Intelligence is raw information that is fused and analyzed to identify an enemy’s position or intention. Before information becomes intelligence, it goes through a cycle where the information is evaluated into finished intelligence; referred to as the intelligence cycle. The U.S. intelligence community operates within this intelligence cycle framework. Intelligence provides as much as possible of an accurate picture or landscape of a given situation so policy makers and government leaders can make an informed decision. There are various forms of intelligence, but there are six broad types of intelligence that government agencies use. In this activity you will describe the intelligence cycles and the various forms of intelligence, and how intelligence is used within homeland security.

Initial Post Instructions

Explain what the intelligence cycle is and each phase of the intelligence cycle. Then, describe the different types of intelligence based on the text and, in your own words, how homeland security could use these forms of intelligence when dealing with a homeland security threat.