What Is the Fusion Process?
The concept of fusion has
emerged as the fundamental process to facilitate the sharing of
homeland security-related and crime-related information and
intelligence. For purposes of this initiative, fusion refers to the
overarching process of managing the flow of information and
intelligence across all levels and sectors of government and private
industry. It goes beyond establishing an information/intelligence
center or creating a computer network. The fusion process supports the
implementation of risk-based, information-driven prevention, response,
and consequence management programs. At the same time, it supports
efforts to address immediate or emerging threat-related circumstances
and events.
Data fusion involves the exchange of information from
different sources—including law enforcement, public safety, and the
private sector—and, with analysis, can result in meaningful and
actionable intelligence and information. The fusion process turns this
information and intelligence into actionable knowledge. Fusion also
allows for relentless reevaluation of existing data in context with new
data in order to provide constant updates. The public safety and
private sector components are integral in the fusion process because
they provide fusion centers with crime-related information, including
risk and threat assessments, and subject-matter experts who can aid in
threat identification.