---
kind: "section"
citation: "6 U.S.C. § 124h"
title: "6"
title_heading: "Domestic Security"
number: "124h"
heading: "Department of Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/6/124h"
units:
  - "Chapter 1 — Homeland Security Organization"
  - "Subchapter II — Information Analysis"
  - "Part A — Information and Analysis; Access to Information"
---

# §124h. Department of Homeland Security State, Local, and Regional Fusion Center Initiative

- (a) **Establishment—** The [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16), in consultation with the program manager of the information sharing environment established under [section 485 of this title](/usc/6/485.md), the Attorney General, the Privacy Officer of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), and the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board established under [section 2000ee of title 42](/usc/42/2000ee.md), shall establish a [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) of [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), Local, and Regional Fusion [Center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) Initiative to establish partnerships with [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1).
- (b) **Department support and coordination—** Through the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) of [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), Local, and Regional Fusion [Center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) Initiative, and in coordination with the principal officials of participating [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, or regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) and the officers designated as the [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security Advisors of the [States](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), the [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall—
  - (1) provide operational and intelligence advice and assistance to [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (2) support efforts to include [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) into efforts to establish an information sharing environment;
  - (3) conduct tabletop and live training exercises to regularly assess the capability of individual and regional networks of [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) to integrate the efforts of such networks with the efforts of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5);
  - (4) coordinate with other relevant [Federal entities](/usc/6/681.md?p=7) engaged in [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security-related activities;
  - (5) provide analytic and reporting advice and assistance to [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (6) review information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security information, [terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) information, and weapons of mass destruction information, that is gathered by [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1), and to incorporate such information, as appropriate, into the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5)’s own such information;
  - (7) provide management assistance to [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (8) serve as a point of contact to ensure the dissemination of information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security information, [terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) information, and weapons of mass destruction information;
  - (9) facilitate close communication and coordination between [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) and the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5);
  - (10) provide [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) with expertise on [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) resources and operations;
  - (11) provide training to [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) and encourage such fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) to participate in [terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) threat-related exercises conducted by the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5); and
  - (12) carry out such other duties as the [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) determines are appropriate.
- (c) **Personnel assignment—**
  - (1) **In general—** The Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis shall, to the maximum extent practicable, assign officers and intelligence analysts from components of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) to participating [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1).
  - (2) **Personnel sources—** Officers and intelligence analysts assigned to participating fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this subsection may be assigned from the following [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) components, in coordination with the respective component head and in consultation with the principal officials of participating fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1):
    - (A) Office of Intelligence and Analysis.
    - (B) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security [Agency](/usc/6/671.md?p=1).
    - (C) Transportation Security Administration.
    - (D) [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) Customs and Border Protection.
    - (E) [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    - (F) [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) Coast Guard.
    - (G) Other components of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), as determined by the [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16).
  - (3) **Qualifying criteria—**
    - (A) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall develop qualifying criteria for a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) to participate in the assigning of [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) officers or intelligence analysts under this section.
    - (B) **Criteria—** Any criteria developed under [subparagraph (A)](#c-3-A) may include—
      - (i) whether the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1), through its mission and governance structure, focuses on a broad counterterrorism approach, and whether that broad approach is pervasive through all levels of the organization;
      - (ii) whether the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) has sufficient numbers of adequately trained [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15) to support a broad counterterrorism mission;
      - (iii) whether the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) has—
        - (I) access to relevant law enforcement, [emergency](/usc/6/701.md?p=6) response, private sector, open source, and national security data; and
        - (II) the ability to share and analytically utilize that data for lawful purposes;
      - (iv) whether the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) is adequately funded by the [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, or regional government to support its counterterrorism mission; and
      - (v) the relevancy of the mission of the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) to the particular source component of [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) officers or intelligence analysts.
  - (4) **Prerequisite—**
    - (A) **Intelligence analysis, privacy, and civil liberties training—** Before being assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section, an officer or intelligence analyst shall undergo—
      - (i) appropriate intelligence analysis or information sharing training using an intelligence-led policing curriculum that is consistent with—
        - (I) standard training and education programs offered to [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) law enforcement and intelligence [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15); and
        - (II) the Criminal Intelligence Systems Operating Policies under part [23](/usc/28a/app-23.md) of title 28, Code of Federal Regulations (or any corresponding similar rule or regulation);
      - (ii) appropriate privacy and civil liberties training that is developed, supported, or sponsored by the Privacy Officer appointed under [section 142 of this title](/usc/6/142.md) and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), in consultation with the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board established under [section 2000ee of title 42](/usc/42/2000ee.md); and
      - (iii) such other training prescribed by the Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis.
    - (B) **Prior work experience in area—** In determining the eligibility of an officer or intelligence analyst to be assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section, the Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis shall consider the familiarity of the officer or intelligence analyst with the [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), locality, or region, as determined by such factors as whether the officer or intelligence analyst—
      - (i) has been previously assigned in the geographic area; or
      - (ii) has previously worked with intelligence officials or law enforcement or other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6) from that [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), locality, or region.
  - (5) **Expedited security clearance processing—** The Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis—
    - (A) shall ensure that each officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section has the appropriate security clearance to contribute effectively to the mission of the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1); and
    - (B) may request that security clearance processing be expedited for each such officer or intelligence analyst and may use available [funds](/usc/6/677a.md?p=5) for such purpose.
  - (6) **Further qualifications—** Each officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section shall satisfy any other qualifications the Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis may prescribe.
- (d) **Responsibilities—** An officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section shall—
  - (1) assist law enforcement [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) and other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6) of [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and [tribal governments](/usc/6/701.md?p=16) and fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15) in using information within the scope of the information sharing environment, including [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security information, [terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) information, and weapons of mass destruction information, to develop a comprehensive and accurate threat picture;
  - (2) review [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security-relevant information from law enforcement [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) and other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6) of [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and [tribal government](/usc/6/701.md?p=16);
  - (3) create intelligence and other information products derived from such information and other [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security-relevant information provided by the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5); and
  - (4) assist in the dissemination of such products, as coordinated by the Under [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) for Intelligence and Analysis, to law enforcement [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) and other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6) of [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and [tribal government](/usc/6/701.md?p=16), other fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1), and appropriate [Federal agencies](/usc/6/677a.md?p=4).
- (e) **Border intelligence priority—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall make it a priority to assign officers and intelligence analysts under this section from [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) Customs and Border Protection, [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard to participating [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) located in jurisdictions along land or maritime borders of the [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A) in order to enhance the integrity of and security at such borders by helping Federal, [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and tribal law enforcement authorities to identify, investigate, and otherwise interdict persons, weapons, and related contraband that pose a threat to [homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) security.
  - (2) **Border intelligence products—** When performing the responsibilities described in [subsection (d)](#d), officers and intelligence analysts assigned to participating [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and regional fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section shall have, as a primary responsibility, the creation of border intelligence products that—
    - (A) assist [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and tribal law enforcement [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) in deploying their resources most efficiently to help detect and interdict terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, and related contraband at land or maritime borders of the [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A);
    - (B) promote more consistent and timely sharing of border security-relevant information among jurisdictions along land or maritime borders of the [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A); and
    - (C) enhance the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5)’s situational awareness of the threat of acts of [terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) at or involving the land or maritime borders of the [United States](/usc/6/101.md?p=19-A).
- (f) **Database access—** In order to fulfill the objectives described under [subsection (d)](#d), each officer or intelligence analyst assigned to a fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section shall have appropriate access to all relevant Federal databases and information systems, consistent with any policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, or standards established by the President or, as appropriate, the program manager of the information sharing environment for the implementation and management of that environment.
- (g) **Consumer feedback—**
  - (1) **In general—** The [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall create a [voluntary](/usc/6/671.md?p=6-A) mechanism for any [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, or tribal law enforcement officer or other [emergency response provider](/usc/6/701.md?p=8) who is a consumer of the intelligence or other information products referred to in [subsection (d)](#d) to provide feedback to the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) on the quality and utility of such intelligence products.
  - (2) **Report—** Not later than one year after August 3, 2007, and annually thereafter, the [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall submit to the Committee on [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security of the House of Representatives a report that includes a description of the consumer feedback obtained under [paragraph (1)](#g-1) and, if applicable, how the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) has adjusted its production of intelligence products in response to that consumer feedback.
- (h) **Rule of construction—**
  - (1) **In general—** The authorities granted under this section shall supplement the authorities granted under [section 121(d) of this title](/usc/6/121.md?p=d) and nothing in this section shall be construed to abrogate the authorities granted under [section 121(d) of this title](/usc/6/121.md?p=d).
  - (2) **Participation—** Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, or regional government or [entity](/usc/6/301c.md?p=2) to accept the assignment of officers or intelligence analysts of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) into the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) of that [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), locality, or region.
- (i) **Guidelines—** The [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16), in consultation with the Attorney General, shall establish guidelines for fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) created and operated by [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17) and [local governments](/usc/6/101.md?p=13), to include standards that any such fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) shall—
  - (1) collaboratively develop a mission statement, identify expectations and goals, measure performance, and determine effectiveness for that fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (2) create a representative governance structure that includes law enforcement officers and other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6) and, as appropriate, the private sector;
  - (3) create a collaborative environment for the sharing of intelligence and information among Federal, [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, and [tribal government](/usc/6/701.md?p=16) [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) (including law enforcement officers and other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6)), the private sector, and the public, consistent with any policies, guidelines, procedures, instructions, or standards established by the President or, as appropriate, the program manager of the information sharing environment;
  - (4) leverage the databases, systems, and networks available from public and private sector [entities](/usc/6/301c.md?p=2), in accordance with all applicable laws, to maximize information sharing;
  - (5) develop, publish, and adhere to a privacy and civil liberties policy consistent with Federal, [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), and local law;
  - (6) provide, in coordination with the Privacy Officer of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) and the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), appropriate privacy and civil liberties training for all [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, tribal, and private sector representatives at the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (7) ensure appropriate security measures are in place for the facility, data, and [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15);
  - (8) select and train [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15) based on the needs, mission, goals, and [functions](/usc/6/101.md?p=9) of that fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1);
  - (9) offer a variety of intelligence and information services and products to recipients of fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) intelligence and information; and
  - (10) incorporate law enforcement officers, other [emergency response providers](/usc/6/101.md?p=6), and, as appropriate, the private sector, into all relevant phases of the intelligence and fusion process, consistent with the mission statement developed under [paragraph (1)](#i-1), either through full time representatives or liaison relationships with the fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) to enable the receipt and sharing of information and intelligence.
- (j) **Fusion center information sharing strategy—** Not later than 1 year after March 2, 2020, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the [Secretary](/usc/6/101.md?p=16) shall develop or update a strategy for [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) engagement with fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1). Such strategy shall be developed and updated in consultation with the heads of intelligence components of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5), the Chief Privacy Officer, the Officer for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, officials of fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1), officers designated as [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security Advisors, and the heads of other relevant [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1), as appropriate. Such strategy shall include the following:
  - (1) Specific goals and objectives for sharing information and engaging with fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1)—
    - (A) through the direct deployment of [personnel](/usc/6/101.md?p=15) from intelligence components of the [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5);
    - (B) through the use of [Department](/usc/6/101.md?p=5) unclassified and classified information sharing systems, including the [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Security Information Network and the [Homeland](/usc/6/101.md?p=1) Secure Data Network, or any successor systems; and
    - (C) through any additional means.
  - (2) The performance metrics to be used to measure success in achieving the goals and objectives referred to in [paragraph (1)](#j-1).
  - (3) A 5-year plan for continued engagement with fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1).
- (k) **Definitions—** In this section—
  - (1) the term “fusion [center](/usc/6/681.md?p=1)” means a collaborative effort of 2 or more Federal, [State](/usc/6/101.md?p=17), local, or [tribal government](/usc/6/701.md?p=16) [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) that combines resources, expertise, or information with the goal of maximizing the ability of such [agencies](/usc/6/671.md?p=1) to detect, prevent, investigate, apprehend, and respond to criminal or terrorist activity;
  - (2) the term “information sharing environment” means the information sharing environment established under [section 485 of this title](/usc/6/485.md);
  - (3) the term “intelligence analyst” means an individual who regularly advises, administers, supervises, or performs work in the collection, gathering, analysis, evaluation, reporting, production, or dissemination of information on political, economic, social, cultural, physical, geographical, scientific, or military conditions, trends, or forces in foreign or domestic areas that directly or indirectly affect national security;
  - (4) the term “intelligence-led policing” means the collection and analysis of information to produce an intelligence end product designed to inform law enforcement decision making at the tactical and strategic levels; and
  - (5) the term “[terrorism](/usc/6/101.md?p=18) information” has the meaning given that term in [section 485 of this title](/usc/6/485.md).
- (l) **Authorization of appropriations—** There is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012, to carry out this section, except for [subsection (i)](#i), including for hiring officers and intelligence analysts to replace officers and intelligence analysts who are assigned to fusion [centers](/usc/6/681.md?p=1) under this section.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 107–296, title II, § 210A, as added Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 511(a), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 317; amended Pub. L. 115–278, § 2(g)(2)(F), Nov. 16, 2018, 132 Stat. 4177; Pub. L. 116–116, § 2, Mar. 2, 2020, 134 Stat. 110.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2020—Subsecs. (j) to (l). Pub. L. 116–116 added subsec. (j) and redesignated former subsecs. (j) and (k) as (k) and (l), respectively.

2018—Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–278 substituted “Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency” for “Office of Infrastructure Protection”.

### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Office of Intelligence and Analysis Field Personnel Support to Fusion Centers

Pub. L. 116–116, § 3, Mar. 2, 2020, 134 Stat. 111, provided that: Performance Metrics.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Mar. 2, 2020], the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall— consider the effectiveness of existing processes to identify and prepare field personnel for deployment to support fusion centers and internal mechanisms to ensure oversight and accountability of such field personnel, including field personnel assigned to one center and field personnel assigned to multiple centers; and publish and disseminate performance metrics, taking into account, as appropriate, regional and threat diversity, for— field personnel from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis assigned to an individual fusion center; field personnel from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis assigned to multiple fusion centers; and Regional Directors of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis to ensure accountability for monitoring all field personnel under the supervision of such Regional Directors. Training.—In consultation with the Chief Information Officer, the Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis shall develop and implement a formalized training module for fusion center personnel regarding the classified Homeland Secure Data Network, or any successor system. Fusion Center Defined.—In this section, the term ‘fusion center’ has the meaning given such term in section 210A(k) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 124h(k)], as so redesignated by section 2 [amending this section].”

### Training for Predeployed Officers and Analysts

Pub. L. 110–53, title V, § 511(b), Aug. 3, 2007, 121 Stat. 323, provided that: “An officer or analyst assigned to a fusion center by the Secretary of Homeland Security before the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 3, 2007] shall undergo the training described in section 210A(c)(4)(A) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 [6 U.S.C. 124h(c)(4)(A)], as added by subsection (a), by not later than 6 months after such date.”