Intelligence-led Policing
Our nation's approach to national security policy has changed in recent years in the face of new technologies, world events, and emerging threats. Among the changes were the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and the push for the development of regional "fusion centers" around the nation.
These centers use databases to link local law enforcement agencies to each other, as well as connecting them to state and federal law enforement partners. Information on arrests, suspects, and trends is shared between these entities, and analysts at the centers sift through the data to identify patterns or clues. The centers do not focus only on local crimes but often aim to prevent terrorist attacks, disrupt organized crime activities, or aid in the response to a natural disaster.
The use of new tactics and technologies has raised both ethical and practical questions. Texas Impact believes that changes in law enforcement and public safety philosophies at the state and local level should be carried out only after an open discussion and the implementation of robust oversight and accountability standards. As with other criminal and social justice topics, people of faith have a strong role to play in deciding how our communities are kept safe.
Texas Impact is working with state and local leaders to ensure that Texas implements fair and effective law enforcement policies.
Communities, Trust, and Intelligence-led Policing
As part of our work on criminal justice issues, Texas Impact has studied the issues of fusion centers and intelligence-led policing, which have become more prominent in Texas and around the nation. Texas Impact has hosted community forums with citizens and law enforcement officials and produced a report outlining the issue for people of faith. The report, "The Eyes of Texas: Communities, Trust, and Intelligence-led Policing", can be downloaded by clicking on the image at left.
