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November 29, 2007

Study: Anti-terrorism missions diluted at local centers

WASHINGTON -- Local intelligence-sharing centers set up after the September 11 attacks have had their anti-terrorism mission diluted by a focus on run-of-the-mill street crime and hazards such as hurricanes.

That's the conclusion of a survey by the Government Accountability Office that was obtained by the Associated Press.

Of the 43 ``fusion centers'' already established, only two -- one in Rhode Island and the other in Kansas -- focus exclusively on preventing terrorism.

The original intent of the centers was to coordinate resources, expertise and information of intelligence agencies so the country could detect and prevent terrorist acts.

But directors of the facilities complain they are hampered by lack of guidance from Washington and were flooded by often redundant information from multiple computer systems.

-- The Associated Press

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 9:55 AM | Permalink

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