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1. Counterterrorism Intelligence. State and local officials report that they do not get timely, accurate and actionable intelligence from federal sources. There are currently 15 federal antiterrorism agencies and at least 12 federal terrorism watch lists. Local officials often get conflicting data, they get data that has no impact on them, and they are unable to process intelligence to form a complete picture of the threats they face, and what steps they can take.

Which terrorism watch lists do you have access to and which do you use on a regular basis? What are the challenges to making these lists useful to you? What are your recommendations for improving these lists?

What other sources of federal counterterrorism information (including FBI field offices) do you have access to and which do you use on a regular basis? What has been your experience with these sources? What are your recommendations for improving the flow of information from the federal government to your office?

Would having more security clearance for classified and top secret antiterrorism documents help you? Which would you prefer, more top-secret clearance or more actionable unclassified intelligence?

What is your biggest challenge to using federal counterterrorism information? What resources or staff would be most useful to solving this problem?

What are your main points of contact for sharing terrorism information you collect yourself? Do you feel that federal officials value the tips and information you share? What are the challenges you face in this regard and your suggestions for improving the situation?

Other Comments in Intelligence Sharing?

2. Grants. The Department of Homeland Security has had a number of problems getting homeland security funds to the local departments and projects that need them the most. In the past, the department has allocated billions of dollars without sufficiently focusing on the most vulnerable targets. In addition, the grant application process was cumbersome and divided among six different programs. The Department of Homeland Security made major steps to streamline the grant application process and is trying to better target grants. However these reforms are being made without sufficient input from local and state government officials.

Where do you find out about federal grant opportunities? Do you feel these information sources are adequate and what would you do to improve them?

Do you have the resources and expertise to write effective grant applications? Are the applications too long and cumbersome? What would you need in order to bolster your ability to apply for grants?

What are the barriers to getting and using grant money in an effective way?

Do you feel that federal grants are going toward the right priorities and are being coordinated? Do you have specific examples to illustrate your position?

Are you getting enough support to identify and prioritize threats to critical infrastructure in your jurisdiction? What do you need to improve prioritization of threats?

Other comments on grant applications?

3. Regional Emergency Response. Regional emergency response capability is essential to reacting to and recovering from a major terrorist attack. An estimated 85 percent of states and 70 percent of localities have joined at least one antiterrorism network. However, each network has its own culture, infrastructure, and equipment. Regional organizations are often not properly funded and have little guidance from federal officials. This situation can result in redundancy, turf battles, and inability to integrate emergency response at the regional level.

What regional partnerships and emergency preparedness arrangements do you participate in?

Do you feel these regional partnerships are sufficient? What are the greatest challenges to your participating in these partnerships and what steps are needed to improve the situation?

What has been your experience with issues of jurisdiction, chain of command and operational control during emergencies that require multi-jurisdictional response? Are there any steps the federal government could take to make the situation better?

What are the major challenges your department faces in terms of interoperable communications? What equipment and resources do you need to achieve true interoperability?

What are the challenges you face in identifying Weapons of Mass Destruction Attacks? What are the barriers to adequate medical response on a regional basis?

What has been your experience with federal entities during emergency incidents?
This can include the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Guard, the military and other federal entities.

What kind of guidance have you received from state and federal sources about how to manage regional coordination?

Other comments on regional emergency coordination?

Permission to use information.
We would like to use your responses to inform our legislative process and illustrate the need for reform.

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