22 December 2009 - 15:07Mediating Intel Fight between FBI and Homeland Security

The bickering between investigative organizations at the federal level and the local levels is as bad as the bickering of a married couple. This past weekend it was reported the White House entered into the terror Intel dispute between the FBI, who claims a release of information could compromise some of their investigations and local officials who believe they need to be informed so they can identify threats in their communities.

A workable solution can be found in the cases developed and investigated by the FBI relating to terrorism investigations – they should not be mandated provide case specific information to the locals. The locals should be more concerned with the types of threats and the resource allocation issues they present. By example, if the threat is from IED’s on commuter trains, they should be informed as to the validity and viability of the threat. The criminal investigative steps being taken by the investigators should not be part of the report. It is not necessary for a local jurisdiction to be aware of the case specifics such as the targets of the investigation or the capacity or content of the monitored communications. Besides, no criminal investigator ever wants to reveal his or her case details. By asking the wrong questions the locals are setting themselves up for a fight. Local jurisdictions would be very well suited if they refrain from asking those questions and stick to attack methodologies. Understanding the appropriate questions will make them get the information they need and achieve the goals they need to get to.

In matters of National Security cases, the risks of leaks occurring and jeopardizing an investigation are too great. Communication is critical between all levels of government to prevent or mitigate another 9/11 from occurring. It is not the amount of talking that needs to take place but the quality of those conversations. Understanding each others needs, and the types of things one should not ask for is important. Perhaps a marriage counselor would be beneficial.