Local's role in intelligence sharing pondered.

• Author: Magnuson, Stew
• Position: SECURITY BEAT: Homeland Defense Briefs

THE SHARING OF intelligence between the federal government, and state and local law enforcement is a two way street--but one that isn't always straight or easily traveled.

Local police agencies have received conflicting and confusing information from different federal agencies regarding potential terrorist attacks in their communities.

Meanwhile, they're seen as invaluable source for uncovering terrorist plots.

"One of the greatest challenges will be bridging the gap between the intelligence community and the non-intelligence community," said John Cohen, senior adviser to the information sharing environment program manager in the office of the director of national intelligence.

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act created the organization as a stand-alone entity responsible for pulling information from all sources, including the private sector and state and local entities, not just from the federal intelligence community. It is administratively part of ODNI, but works independently.

Louis Quijas, FBI assistant director of the office of state and local coordination, said the bureau, once notorious for its secrecy, is getting better at sharing information, but he has to constantly remind officials in meetings to pass information down to their counterparts.

State, local and tribal law enforcement agencies are "not junior partners in the war on terrorism, but full partners," Quijas said.

Local agencies transmitting "suspicious activity" reports to the feds are seen as crucial participants in law...