Module 3
Module 3 - Case
Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Fusion Centers Operations as related to DHS
Case Assignment
JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS, AND DHS
Information Sharing
Fusion Centers:
Are they run by the federal government? If so, which branch? Explain.
Why are two centers necessary (JTTF and Fusion Centers)? Support your answer.
Locate the Fusion Center close to where you live. Give address and phone number.
JTTF Members:
Noticeably absent from the list of approved members are Fire Marshals. Vetted Fire Marshals can be IC during a disaster in some states. Is it necessary that they be on the JTTF list? Use citations to support your answer.
Assignments should be at least three pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.
Module 3 - SLP
Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), Fusion Centers Operations as related to DHS
JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF), FUSION CENTERS, AND DHS
General
· The intent of the SLP 1-4 is for you to implement the topics and materials learnt in the course to a “real life” scenario relating to a terrorist attack on U.S. soil in a major city sports arena.
· Each module’s Session Long Project builds upon the other, so you will add the modular sections within one document like chapters in a book.
· You will prepare your “plan” to address your own selected city's characteristics and capabilities (e.g., if you are from California, you can present a plan for the Staples Center Sports Arena, Dodger Stadium, or the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles; or if you are from the Oakland/San Francisco area, the 49ers' Stadium in San Jose or The Raiders Stadium Complex in Oakland).
· Follow the general scenario and additional information and updates provided in each Module.
· YOU are the Emergency Manager (EM) for your City (of choice) and from this capacity and role you will address the SLP tasks.
Scenario General Description
Date – August 1, yyyy
The Threat - Intelligence agencies have intercepted (from a credible source) a terrorist organization’s communication regarding a general coordinated plan to use improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to detonate bombs at a major USA city’s sports arena during an event at an arena holding about 10,000 spectators:
Three to five suicide bombers strategically pre-position themselves around the arena. They detonate their bombs and self-destruct in order to guarantee mass panic and chaotic evacuation of the arena.
One or two large vehicle bombs (LVB) are placed in a parking facility near the entertainment complex.
Finally, expecting mass casualties, the adversary agents will detonate an additional series of devices in the lobby of the nearest hospital emergency room (ER).
Timeline - The communication states only a general timeline for the attack to be executed within the month of September. No specific date is identified.
Planning Considerations
NOTE – Life in the city will not be disrupted and all planned public events are not to be cancelled at this time.
Module 3 SLP – JTTF + Fusion Center (FC) - Assignment (You are the City EM)
Date – August 15, yyyy
INTELLIGENCE UPDATE: Based on classified new intelligence, YOUR city has been identified as the target of the attack. The attack will occur sometime around Sept 11th.
The DHS and FBI have established a Fusion Center and JTTF respectively in your city.
Based on the above and the timeline, recheck your priority list and describe what needs to be changed/updated. When will you increase venue security and initiate security measures?
What, if anything, will you disclose to the public?
The FBI has augmented the local JTTF with additional agents and analysts, and the State Fusion Center has added staffing dedicated to collecting and analyzing intelligence for the impending attack.
What would you request from them?
Would you recommend that the centers be combined? Explain.
Assignments should be 3-5 pages double-spaced, not counting the cover or reference page. Paper format: (a) Cover page, (b) Header, (c) Body. Submit your assignment by the last day of this module.
Required Reading
Bjelopera, J. P. (2013). The Federal Bureau of Investigation and terrorism investigations. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/R41780.pdf
DHS Information Sharing and Safeguarding Strategy (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/12-4466-dhs-information-sharing-and-safeguarding-strategy-01-30-13--fina%20%20%20.pdf
Fusion Centers and Joint Terrorism Task Forces. Retrieved from: http://www.dhs.gov/fusion-centers-and-joint-terrorism-task-forces
It’s our top priority—protecting the U.S. from terrorist attacks (2013). Terrorism, FBI. Retrieved from: http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/terrorism
Joint Terrorism Task Force (2017), What We Investigate, FBI. Retrieved from https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/terrorism/joint-terrorism-task-forces
National Network of Fusion Centers Fact Sheet (2013). DHS.gov. Retrieved from: http://www.dhs.gov/national-network-fusion-centers-fact-sheet
The White House (2007). Roles of the State and major urban area fusion centers, Appendix 1 - Establishing a National Integrated Network of State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers. Retrieved from: http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/nsc/infosharing/sectionIX.html
Required Videos
Inside the Denver Joint Terrorism Task Force. FBI. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-hxnd65C60
Inside the Fusion Center, San Antonio News 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyL60fS2OSs