The Competing Views of the Network

State and major urban area fusion centers became one of the many organizational innovations to the United States¿ national security arsenal after the attacks on 9/11. These entities were designed to aid the nation in combating terrorism through analysis, operations, and information sharing. Many of these fusion centers have evolved over time to support broader public safety efforts in the response and recovery mission of man-made and natural threats. Fusion centers, collectively referred to as the National Network of Fusion Centers or simply the Network, have matured over the last decade. However, their operations have not escaped the national discourse on domestic intelligence activities. Assessments, studies, and opinions concerning the Network¿s functions, capabilities, responsibilities, and overall value, have resulted in positive and negative reviews, which have led to competing perceptions about the organization. This book identifies and analyzes the uneven views of the Network in order to highlight areas where the Network could consider focusing its collective efforts to increase external support and to expedite the organization¿s maturation process.