| The FBI’s ability
to collect information – whether through physical surveillance,
electronic surveillance, or human source development – represents
one of its greatest weapons in the war on terror. The FBI has an enormous
network of informants and sources that place it at the forefront of
intelligence and evidence collection. By constantly interacting with
witnesses and potential sources in the course of their daily duties,
FBI Agents have unmatched expertise in assessing, recruiting, and
cultivating human sources, skills that are critical to preventing
terrorist attacks and disrupting terrorist networks. The following
are key initiatives undertaken in recent months to improve FBI intelligence
and analytical capacities in the wake of the September 11 attacks.
Office of Intelligence
This new office is the centerpiece of the FBI’s efforts to
upgrade its analytical and intelligence capabilities so that it
can prevent acts of terror. This office will work to create professional development
opportunities for analysts and ensure that quality analytical products
and intelligence are shared both inside and outside the FBI. Since
the events of September 11, the FBI has quadrupled the number of
strategic analysts at Headquarters specifically focused on international
terrorism, and it plans to build a cadre of more than 700 analysts
nationwide in the next few years. The FBI has also hired new “reports
officers” who are highly trained in identifying intelligence,
distilling key facts, and getting information into the hands of
those who need it. In addition, the FBI has developed new technologies
for its analysts and brought on board 25 seasoned intelligence officers
from the CIA to work side-by-side with FBI personnel.
Counterterrorism Watch (CT Watch)
CT Watch is the FBI’s 24-hour global command center for terrorism
prevention operations. Staffed by highly trained and experienced
personnel and using sophisticated technology, it is the focal point
within the FBI for gathering and managing all domestic and international
terrorism threats. Incoming threats are given an initial review
by CT Watch staff; those deemed credible are passed on to FBI investigators
for urgent action. CT Watch also produces daily terrorism threat
briefing materials and intelligence reports that are shared with
the President, key national security policy makers, and members
of the intelligence and law enforcement communities. Since September
11, 2001, the FBI has responded to more than 3,000 terrorist threats.
College of Analytical Studies
The FBI has created a College of Analytical Studies at the FBI Academy
in Quantico, Virginia. Through this College, the FBI has revamped
its approach to training analysts with a six-week program modeled
on the CIA’s highly respected Kent School.
Document Exploitation (DocEx) Working Group
As a result of military and intelligence actions in Afghanistan,
Pakistan, and elsewhere, a massive amount of paper documents, electronic
media, video and audiotapes, and electronic equipment have been
seized. The FBI, CIA, NSA, and DIA have established a coordinated
effort – the DocEx Working Group – to analyze these materials
quickly and effectively. This effort has yielded a wealth of valuable
intelligence on terrorist activities and capabilities and has generated
more than 10,000 new investigative leads.
Intelligence-Law Enforcement Coordination
The PATRIOT Act and a federal court decision in November 2002 have
broken down what has been known as “the Wall” that legally
separated law enforcement and intelligence functions. As a result,
coordination and information sharing between the law enforcement
community and intelligence agencies have been greatly improved.
Since the attacks of September 11, the cultural and operational
wall between the FBI and CIA has also been broken down, with the
two agencies becoming integrated at virtually every level of operation.
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