Connecting the Dots in Times of Crisis

Effective inter-agency communication is a goal across all levels of government, not only on a daily basis but in the case of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or pandemic.

"Significant progress has been made, but there are some frustrations," says Kevin Strom, Senior Research Scientist with RTI International, a non-profit research corporation. "A lot of local jurisdictions are also looking for more leadership from the federal government on the issue of coordination... I think the federal government leading by example is something that could greatly improve this situation."

Strom says some of the other obstacles include cultural differences across law enforcement and civilian entities, concerns about sensitivity and privacy of information, and concerns about security levels. At the local level, according to Strom, a lack of security clearances is often sited as a reason for not being able to share information.

But that is beginning to show signs of change.

Local law enforcement staff and civilian responders are getting the clearances which, in turn, are opening up additional channels.

The Miami Dade Police Department of Homeland Security Bureau, for example, has placed staff in some communication and information networks to allow for more open communication from top down and bottom up.

FederalNewsRadio also spoke with Chris Logan, Director of the Homeland Security & Technology Division, who says relationship building is the core of successful communication.

"There's a human element to coordination that's very important but it has to be institutionalized," says Logan. When communication relies on personal relationships, the process becomes vulnerable to the participants "moving on to other jobs in other agencies."

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On the Web:

RTI International - homepage

Policy Forum on Interagency Coordination - press release

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