ABSTRACT
Introduction Since the 2001 anthrax attacks, the importance of collaboration between public health departments, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement has become increasingly evident. Prior to this, intelligence information obtained by agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) likely had little relevance or connection to local health departments. Furthermore, such information was restricted to those with appropriate security clearances with a need to know. Consumers of this information had always been federal agencies or individuals who were in a position of protecting our national security interests, be it our military commanders or key decision makers at the White House. With the threat of a biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear terrorist attack within the United States a real concern,1 protecting the public’s health necessitates the sharing of such intelligence information with local public health agencies. Strengthening intelligence and information sharing with the multidisciplinary exchange of intelligence among all levels of government is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) priority. Desired outcomes also include plans that incorporate accurate threat analysis to prevent and protect against threats.2 This is easier said than done. Collaboration between agencies not familiar with working together involves not only the development of mechanisms for the sharing of information, but also the ability to jointly analyze, assess, and investigate potential threats.3,4 This chapter describes an operational concept that permits local public health departments and law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and jointly investigate information relevant for the early detection of a terrorist incident involving the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
