Local Intelligence Collection Strategies and Policies Discussion

Unit:  Local Intelligence Collection Strategies and Policies

Assignment Description

Since the events of September 11, 2001, the U.S. intelligence community—including state, local, and tribal entities—has grown exponentially. Critics argue that the U.S. intelligence apparatus and the policies and strategies that go along with it have gotten too big, expensive, and difficult to control. Some even go as far as to say that the massive U.S. intelligence system has become "unwieldy." Proponents of the enhanced system, on the other hand, claim that the exponential growth has improved intelligence operations, thwarted attacks, and that the U.S. intelligence community achieves untold successes every day. Proponents also argue that although there is some duplication of efforts, this promotes competitive analysis.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

• Do you feel that the U.S. intelligence system—including its policies, strategies, and operations—has gotten too big to control and to be effective? Explain your position.
• What impact do the complex webs of federal, state, and local policies and strategies have on the overall success and effectiveness of the U.S. intelligence community? Explain.
• Has the addition of intelligence apparatus at the state and local levels increased the overall success of the intelligence mission, or has it just added another layer of bureaucracy to an already complex and cumbersome system? Explain.