Counter Terrorism and Intelligence
Since September 11, 2001, presidential directives, federal legislation, and appropriations to states related to homeland security have placed a special emphasis on preparedness for terrorism across the country. The following sections outline the counter terrorism and Intelligence capabilities in Connecticut.
Counter Terrorism
Counter Terrorism incorporates a variety of methods to prevent or thwart a terrorist attack. In Connecticut, DEMHS and the CT State Police share responsibilities for counter terrorism in the state. The purpose of counter terrorism activities is to utilize all resources within state government to develop unified safety and security measures to prevent, mitigate and manage incidents threatening the quality of life of the citizens of Connecticut.
Intelligence
Homeland Security Intelligence gathering in Connecticut is conducted through the state fusion center known as the Connecticut Intelligence Center (CTIC). Fusion centers operate nationwide across all levels of government for the receive, analyze, gather, and share threat-related information. CTIC includes a co-located team of federal, state and local partners (including DESPP, Department of Correction, Connecticut National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Coast Guard, Office of the United States Attorney, federal Department of Homeland Security, and municipal police).
CTIC collects, analyzes and disseminates both criminal and terrorism-related intelligence to law enforcement officials throughout the state, and pertinent vetted information to authorized and appropriate agencies within the first responder and private sectors. CTIC staff includes 5 regional intelligence liaison officers (corresponding to the 5 DEMHS regions). CTIC operates under a privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protection policy.
Intelligence Officer Liaison Program
CTIC divides Connecticut into five geographical regions, each of which is assigned a Regional Intelligence Liaison Officer (RILO) as a point-of-contact. RILOs are law enforcement officers from local police departments within each of the five regions. RILOs rely on a network of Intelligence Liaison Officers (ILOs) at each of the law enforcement agencies within their region, to aid in the flow of information with CTIC to combat a variety of threats. The ILO program is fundamental in achieving CTIC’s goals, and helps to shape valuable intelligence and inform key decision makers.
Intelligence Analysis
CTIC has several intelligence analysts who are Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on a variety of high priority topics, such as cybersecurity, critical infrastructure, criminal, terrorism, etc. Analysts collect information related to key threats, which is analyzed and used to produce intelligence. These products are then shared with relevant partners with a need and right-to-know the information. The analysts tailor these intelligence products to meet their partner’s needs and address the evolving threat environment.
Criminal Investigative Support
CTIC works closely with law enforcement in Connecticut to support a variety of criminal investigations. CTIC also works with the national network of fusion centers and law enforcement from across the country to support investigations that may have a nexus to Connecticut. Finally, CTIC is the Interpol liaison for the State of Connecticut and facilitates international collaboration amongst law enforcement agencies. The large scale collaboration and sharing of information amongst law enforcement agencies from all over the world has played a pivotal role in solving many crimes.