Agency or Department Name Here (for pda/handhelds)

Accomplishments for Core Goal #2 Intelligence/Information Sharing

Intelligence and Information Sharing
Consistent with the foundation of Governor O’Malley’s homeland security policy, that the homeland security mission must be integrated into the daily operations of departments and agencies, intelligence and information sharing at the state fusion center has been shifted from “terrorism only” to “all crimes.”  Following are key projects and accomplishments: 

• Maryland has deployed more than 320 License Plate Readers (LPRs) since 2005 and has linked data from more than 140 state and local LPRs to a central server at the State’s intelligence fusion center – creating the first statewide networked LPR system of its kind in the nation. LPRs are used throughout the State to recover stolen vehicles, identify wanted persons, and aid in criminal and terrorist investigations.  Of these units, more than 140 have been connected to a central server at Maryland’s fusion center, the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC), to form a network of shared State and local LPR data, the first of its kind in the nation.  Maryland is also the first state in the nation to incorporate federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration information into LPRs used at truck inspection stations.  Since 2007, the State has received more than $4 million in federal grant funds for LPR units and infrastructure.    
  

• Maryland created a “hub and spoke” model with three Regional Information Centers to feed information from local law enforcement agencies to the State’s intelligence fusion center.  In 2007, the MCAC broadened its focus from “terrorism only” to “all crimes” to better assist local law enforcement and protect Maryland residents.  Three Regional Information Centers (RICs) were also created on the Eastern Shore, Western, and Southern regions to provide a closer working relationship with local law enforcement and focus on regional and local public safety issues and concerns. 

• Since 2007, the State has doubled the number of personnel at Maryland’s intelligence fusion center, with 27 different state, local, and federal agencies now represented.  Under Governor O’Malley’s leadership, the number of law enforcement personnel detailed to the MCAC from other agencies increased from 40 to approximately 80.  Those detailed to the MCAC come from 27 State, local, and federal law enforcement agencies, including 11 analysts from the Maryland State Police Homeland Security and Intelligence Division.  In addition, the State used funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support seven new analyst positions at the MCAC and at the RICs.  
  

• MCAC launched a significantly upgraded web site in January 2012 that now includes a Maryland “Top 10 Most Wanted” list and, where available, a “Top 10 Most Wanted” list by jurisdiction.  The website includes updated alert content and tips for the private sector, but additional improvements are planned, including creating a web-based form for businesses and the public to report more detailed and standardized information on suspicious activities.