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Grants 101

Section 8

Countering Terrorism and Domestic Emergencies

Overview

Within the span of one week in September 2009, three separate plots to attack four U.S. cities (Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; New York City; and Springfield, Illinois) were uncovered and neutralized through effective partnerships and activities designed to fight terrorism. These incidents offer dramatic evidence that threats from international and domestic terrorists have not diminished in the 8 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.

To help combat these threats, OJP works closely with its stakeholders and partners to provide counterterrorism initiatives demonstrating measurable success, showing a strong return on investment, and enabling justice officials to maximize limited resources. More than 800,000 state, local, and tribal law enforcement professionals represent the nation’s first line of defense; without OJP’s support, these professionals would not be able to help identify and prevent terrorist attacks in the United States. OJP also relies on field practitioners to provide valuable insight for developing targeted, sustainable solutions nationwide. Executive support and stakeholder collaboration is augmented by the contributions of subject-matter experts for each of the proposed initiatives.

In addition to the grants outlined in this chapter, OJP provides support for research and fellowships to enhance the ongoing examination and understanding of both the social and technological needs of the counterterrorism community.

Discretionary Programs

Program Name National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center (NCIRC)
Grantee Institute for Intergovernmental Research (Continuation)
FY 2010 Funding TBD
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.ncirc.gov/
Program Contact David Lewis, (202) 616-7829, David.P.Lewis@usdoj.gov
Program Description
NCIRC allows individuals working in the intelligence world who deal with secure but unclassified (SBU) documents to locate policy templates, training, and contacts from other intelligence units nationwide. The NCIRC Web site has also become the focal point for access to the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI), which includes documents, presentations, and the SAR search tool being used by the 12 fusion centers and the federal partners. This site is the first resource accessible by three separate SBU portals (HSIN Intel, LEO, and RISS) by way of their resident sign-on capabilities, thus eliminating the need for an additional username and password.

This site is also the current access point for the 28 CFR Part 23 online training, and discussions are underway for it to be the access point for a collaboration effort between SBU portals and fusion centers for sharing information and services.

Training and Technical Assistance

Program Name State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training (SLATT) Program
Grantee Competitive
FY 2010 Funding $2,000,000
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.SLATT.org
Program Contact Michael Medaris, (202) 616-8937, Michael.Medaris@usdoj.gov
Program Description
After 2001, BJA substantially augmented its terrorism prevention training and technical assistance program. Since then, BJA has provided training to 93,000 federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement officers in 954 training events around the country; disseminated thousands of counterterrorism publications; and facilitated dozens of focus groups and other government meetings. During this time, BJA also developed and maintained a counterterrorism Web site, implemented and maintained an online training program, and conducted train-the-trainer sessions throughout the country. In FY 2009, more than 5,500 federal, state, local, and tribal officers have received anti-terrorism training taught by subject-matter experts. Graduates from the train-the-trainer sessions have subsequently provided counterterrorism instruction to more than 143,000 individuals. In addition, BJA briefings, training sessions, publications, and participation are regularly requested by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI National Academy, tribal communities, national policy organizations, and state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Program Name Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI)
Grantee Competitive
FY 2010 Funding TBD
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bja
Program Contact Tom O’Reilly, (202) 353 8590, Thomas.O'Reilly2@usdoj.gov
Program Description
The SAR process focuses on gathering information regarding behaviors and incidents associated with crime and establishing a process whereby information can be shared to detect and prevent criminal activity, including crime associated with domestic and international terrorism. The SAR process allows agencies to systematically gather, document, process, analyze, and share behaviors and events that are indicators of criminal activity. As a component of the SAR initiative, funding to support the Building of Trust program will also assist with community outreach activities.

All agencies, regardless of size or jurisdiction, have a role in the nationwide NSI. Once an agency develops an internal SAR process, it will be integrated into the nationwide initiative. The sharing of SAR information among local, state, and federal agencies is essential to prevent and deter another terrorist attack on American soil.

This is a comprehensive project that addresses privacy protections and civil liberties through the adoption of privacy policies; training at all levels to include executive, analyst, and line officers; and technology solutions to allow agencies to share information using their current reporting methods. In FY 2010, the initial project will be expanded from the original 12 fusion center locations to additional fusion locations, including federal agencies.

Program Name Fusion Center Support to Local Law Enforcement
Grantee Competitive
FY 2010 Funding $750,000
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bja
Program Contact David Lewis, (202) 616-7829, David.P.Lewis@usdoj.gov
Program Description
BJA, in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners, developed a program to provide resources for fusion centers, including training in intelligence analysis, technical support, IT infrastructure for implementing information sharing systems, and policy guidance regarding the sharing of personal information. The program continually emphasizes the fusion center baseline capabilities in the technology, privacy policy, and intelligence gathering and processing areas. BJA also works with the FBI and DHS (the program manager for the Information Sharing Environment of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence) to facilitate the national fusion center conference to foster coordination between fusion center leadership and technical personnel. The yearly conference supports fusion centers as they build their capabilities, grow into their roles, and fulfill their responsibilities. Regional meetings that bring together fusion center leadership and deliver regionalized training and technical assistance also are a component of this program.

Program Name Enhancing Fusion Center Awareness and Performance
Grantee Competitive
FY 2010 Funding $500,000
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bja
Program Contact David Lewis, (202) 616-7829, David.P.Lewis@usdoj.gov
Program Description
There is a need for coordination between Fusion Centers to leverage capabilities and share best practices. Various interest groups exist today, but there remains a need to institutionalize partnership efforts and provide resources to support an "all crimes" approach for fusion centers to meet the needs of their communities. This project requires the cooperation and coordination with major stakeholders to include partners such as the DOJ, DHS, the IACP, the Major City Chiefs Association, the Major County Sheriffs Association, National Sheriffs' Association, and representatives of the fusion center community.

Program Name Criminal Intelligence Operating Policies (28 CFR Part 23) Training and Technical Assistance
Grantee Institute for Intergovernmental Research (Continuation)
FY 2010 Funding $450,000
OJP Sponsor BJA
Web Link www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bja/
Program Contact David Lewis, (202) 616-7829, David.P.Lewis@usdoj.gov
Program Description
The Criminal Intelligence Systems: Protecting Privacy and Civil Rights training presents effective information sharing tools, examines the principles of 28 CFR Part 23, and addresses the importance of privacy and civil liberties in the context of information sharing. Its purpose is to enhance information sharing by clarifying the various rules and regulations to ensure that agencies are more confident as they collect and share information, particularly criminal intelligence information. Onsite technical assistance is also available to law enforcement agencies upon request. Technical assistance can be provided in the following formats:

Compliance with 28 CFR Part 23
Sound Information Privacy Policies
Specialized Problem Resolution