HLS502 SLP 4-Current issues Facing the IC

Current issues Facing the IC

NOTE: Session Long Projects 1 through 4 are concerned with the scenario outlined in Module 1 SLP. Please review that basic information before proceeding. Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other.

For the SLPs in this course, your assignments will be based on a scenario in which you have been assigned as a Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) at a local police or fire department. You may pick which city will apply in your SLPs. As the TLO, you will have a lot of duties, in addition to your regular duties. Among the additional duties:

1. The TLO primary function is to help line staff identify terrorism related situations and share intelligence related to terrorist activity.
2. TLOs serve as the point-of-contact within their agencies for questions and information regarding terrorism, and terrorism-related tips and leads.
3. In most cases the TLO position is a collateral duty. TLOs shall not independently investigate tips or leads unless directed to do so by the proper authorities i.e. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Fusion Center, etc., and stay within the responsibilities of their assigned duties.
4. A TLO is to have a working relationship with the local Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (RTTAC), designated Intelligence Center and JTTF, to help facilitate the movement of terror related information to and from field personnel.
5. A TLO shall disseminate terrorism-related information and intelligence to personnel within their agencies’ in an efficient and lawful manner. TLOs are responsible for verifying that all personnel with whom they share terrorism-related information have a valid need- and right-to-know the information.
6. TLO s are responsible for educating personnel within their agencies’ regarding the procedure(s) for submitting tips and leads to the proper investigative authorities. For purposes of efficiency, it is not ideal for TLOs to function as the collection point for tips and leads.
7. TLOs are encouraged to pursue advanced level Homeland Security training courses as recommended and provided by their respective RTTAC.
8. The TLO should be flexible to fulfill other expectations and/or functions that may be determined by each individual RTTAC.

Module 4 Scenario

As a TLO, you’ve been asked by the local JTTF Commander to provide a local perspective on current issues facing the IC. Some of the issues include border security, human trafficking, and narcotics trafficking, but there are others. You can participate on the task force of your choosing.

• Select an issue facing the IC, and explain why you want to participate on this TF. Why is this the most pressing or interesting issue?
• For this issue, outline a strategy to effectively collect, evaluate, and disseminate intelligence information within the IC and with local LE. Include which INTs are most relevant, where there are gaps in collection and analysis, and approaches that might soon be available to fill the gaps. What will your role be as a TLO?
• Explain 3 ethical issues that would need to be addressed in collecting and disseminating intelligence for this problem.
• Explain whether there is a realistic counterintelligence threat to this effort, and where it might be targeted and who would be likely to benefit.
• Provide quotation(s) to support your response.
• You may prepare either a 3-5 page memo, or a 10-15 slide PowerPoint presentation with notes.

SLP Assignment Expectations

Assignments should be 3 pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page or a 10-15 slide PowerPoint presentation (not including cover, intro, questions, references slides) with notes.

Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.

Slide format: Cover slide, Introduction, Body slides, Conclusion and “Questions” slide, References slide. All slides (except cover, intro, questions, references, should have supporting notes)

• Relevance—All content is connected to the question.
• Precision—Specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate.
• Depth of discussion—Present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues.
• Breadth—Multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues/factors considered.
• Evidence—Points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references.
• Logic—Presented discussion makes sense; conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information.
• Clarity—Writing is concise, understandable, and contains sufficient detail or examples.
• Objectivity—Avoids use of first person and subjective bias.
• References—Sources are listed at the end of the paper (APA style preferred).