Nexus of Insight
A scholarly examination of how critical information flows between governmental, law enforcement, and private entities to safeguard interests and enhance decision-making.
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Defining Intelligence Sharing
Collaborative Intelligence Exchange
Intelligence sharing refers to the systematic process of exchanging evaluated intelligence, information, data, or knowledge among various entities. These entities can span federal, state, local, or private-sector organizations, as well as involve intergovernmental bilateral or multilateral agreements and international bodies. The fundamental objective is to disseminate actionable intelligence to a broader spectrum of decision-makers, thereby facilitating more informed and effective responses to threats and opportunities.
Intelligence vs. Information
It is crucial to distinguish intelligence sharing from mere information sharing. While both may employ similar dissemination methods, intelligence sharing specifically involves materials that have undergone rigorous evaluation through the intelligence cycle. This process ensures the data's veracity, relevance, and analytical depth, transforming raw information into refined, actionable intelligence. Conversely, information sharing often pertains to non-evaluated materials that have not been subjected to such analytical scrutiny.
Historical Evolution
Pre-9/11 US Context
Prior to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, formal intelligence sharing mechanisms within the United States Intelligence Community were largely underdeveloped. Major agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), often operated with a proprietary approach to their information. This reluctance to share stemmed from concerns that external methods might compromise their established procedures, leading to a fragmented intelligence landscape.
Post-9/11 Reforms and Formalization
The critical need for enhanced intelligence sharing became acutely apparent following the 9/11 attacks. This imperative led to significant legislative and structural reforms, including the Patriot Act, the Homeland Security Act of 2002, and the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. These acts fundamentally reshaped the U.S. intelligence community, notably leading to the formation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS subsequently became an overarching organization for 15 intelligence agencies, tasked with fostering improved information exchange and collaboration. Concurrently, the establishment of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) further streamlined inter-agency intelligence flow and oversaw initiatives like the Information Sharing Environment (ISE).
Architectural Frameworks
Hierarchical Systems
Hierarchical linear intelligence systems are characterized by singular, point-to-point connections between entities. This model is exemplified by direct links between a federal and state organization, a state and local entity, or bilateral agreements between sovereign states. While these mechanisms tend to be slower in dissemination, they offer enhanced security through tightly controlled intelligence exchanges, limiting broader access.
Co-located Liaisons
Co-located liaisons networks involve the establishment of cooperative, multi-agency or multi-governmental facilities. These dedicated locations house representatives and analysts from diverse agencies, fostering direct collaboration and intelligence exchange in a shared environment. Fusion centers represent a prominent example of this model, where agencies with common objectives converge to facilitate intelligence sharing in a unified setting.
Hub-and-Spoke Models
The hub-and-spoke network organization centralizes intelligence and information access, typically through secured networks connected to common servers and databases. All authorized members can access these shared resources. The Department of Homeland Security utilizes this method with its NIPRNet and SIPRNet databases, which link its member agencies. Intellipedia, a collaborative wiki for the U.S. Intelligence Community, also functions as a form of hub-and-spoke intelligence sharing.
Network Fusion
Network fusion represents a sophisticated integration of various sharing architectures, tailored to optimize intelligence exchange for specific organizational needs. This approach combines elements from hierarchical, co-located, and hub-and-spoke models to create a comprehensive and adaptable framework. However, the full multilevel integration of these diverse sharing techniques is often identified as a significant area for improvement among intelligence organizations.
Domains of Application
National Security
In the realm of national security, intelligence sharing operates across multiple echelons, from field offices of intelligence community components to the highest levels of government. In the United States, post-9/11 legislation formalized these practices, with the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and various fusion centers serving as primary conduits. In Europe, national security intelligence is shared through national agencies and collaborative efforts via Europol and Interpol. Following 9/11 and subsequent attacks in London and Madrid, the European Union established the Counter Terrorist Task Force and a Counterterrorism Coordinator to enhance inter-member state intelligence sharing and collective security efforts. Ongoing dialogues between US and EU ministerial counterparts further underscore shared objectives in areas like transport security and counter-terrorism.
Law Enforcement
The law enforcement community, particularly in the United States, underwent significant transformations post-9/11 to meet evolving security expectations. The National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan (NCISP) was developed by federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to improve the collection and analysis of information, yielding valuable and actionable intelligence products. The NCISP outlines a comprehensive framework for intelligence sharing, emphasizing critical elements, system understandings, and diverse participant types.
Business Intelligence
Within the private sector, businesses leverage intelligence analysis to advance organizational goals, secure competitive advantages, and bolster security. While proprietary analytical products are typically guarded from public view and competitors, the domain of cybersecurity often necessitates collaborative intelligence sharing. An illustrative example is the Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC), a cooperative initiative involving over 30 retail companies. This collaboration facilitates the exchange of information and intelligence related to retail firm security, collectively working to identify common threats and disseminate best practices.
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References
References
- A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE INFORMATION SHARING ENVIRONMENT (ISE) (Information Sharing Environment, n.d.).
- Mark Riebling, Wedge: From Pearl Harbor to 9/11: How the Secret War between the FBI and CIA Has Endangered National Security (Simon and Schuster, 2010).
- 108th Congress (December 17, 2004). "Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004" (PDF). U.S. Bill S. 2845.
- âInformation Sharing,â Department of Homeland Security, accessed April 29, 2015.
- Joseph Pfeifer, âNetwork Fusion: Information and Intelligence Sharing for a Networked Worldâ, Homeland Security Affairs 8 (October 2012).
- âNational Criminal Intelligence Sharing Planâ (Bureau of Justice Assistance: US Department of Justice, October 2013).
- âWhat Is R-CISC?â, accessed May 1, 2015.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation in intelligence analysis, national security, law enforcement, or business strategy. Always refer to official government documents, academic journals, and consult with qualified professionals for specific operational or strategic needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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