The NDPIX NEWS periodically interviews representatives of participating
agencies on their experience with NDPIX. In this issue, we are featuring
the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI). We extend our appreciation
to the KBI, and particularly to Special Agent in Charge (SAC)
Jeffrey Brandau for his cooperation.
1. How does KBI enter targets into NDPIX?
We enter our targets manually and not automatically from our Intelligence
System. Crime Analysts receive notification on a drug case being opened
and enter only the main subjects of the investigation into the NDPIX.
Currently, due to existing procedures, subjects later added to an investigation
are not entered into the NDPIX. This analytical and data entry work
are done regionally, not centrally. Procedures are currently left to
the Crime Analyst assigned to a specific region of the state. The KBI
is in the process of formalizing these procedures to ensure consistent
entry criteria.
2. How does KBI handle NDPIX Matches?
Match notifications are given to the individual investigators for their
use. When pertinent information is obtained through the lead, the investigator
prepares a report for the case file.
3. Does KBI track NDPIX Matches?
No. Only the reports generated for the case files would contain this
information. No independent database is maintained to track these successes.
4. Could you describe the Kansas drug crime intelligence system?
In Kansas, criminal intelligence is entered and maintained at the local
level. The KBI, statewide, uses the Kansas Law Enforcement Intelligence
Network (KLEIN) which is also open for use by local law enforcement.
To date, use of KLEIN by local law enforcement has been slow to develop.
If this system would by utilized by more local agencies, statewide intelligence
would be more accessible. In this situation, NDPIX enables KBI to find
local agencies that are tracking the same targets. This, of course,
helps both agencies.
5. How does the NDPIX affect KBI information sharing with local
agencies?
The NDPIX can further enhance the notion that the KBI is not being
a "Big Brother", or hiding investigations from local agencies.
If a local participating agency enters a legitimate target of investigation
into NDPIX, they will be notified that the KBI has the same target.
From the point of view of the KBI and the local investigator, the exchange
of intelligence can provide information not otherwise available.
6. Does the KBI enter NDPIX transactions for local law enforcement?
No, although the KBI communications system does provide access to NDPIX
for the local agencies.
7. Please assess KBI 's experience with NDPIX?
The KBI's experience with NDPIX has been positive in the light that
most matches of investigations have been with the Drug Enforcement Administration.
This information has been invaluable in identifying identical targets
of investigation. Local matches are not as common as many local agencies
are not participating or not participating fully. The system is only
as effective as the timeliness and completeness of the information that
is placed into the system.
8. How can NDPIX be improved?
NDPIX could be improved in several ways. One is to simplify entry into
databases in general. With so many databases that agencies participate
in, data entry is often duplicative. If an entry could be made into a
HIDTA or RISS.NET and automatically added to NDPIX, where the subject
has an active investigation, that would help. The second is more local
training, to not only inform local agencies of the benefit of NDPIX, but
to train individuals entering the data and to encourage more efficient
methods of entry. So many times, questions arise and individuals to answer
the questions are few and far between. A Help Desk or local training would
also assist in this area.
(NDPIX News assured SAC Brandau that he can refer calls to the NDPIX
Staff at 1-800-276-5558).
NDPIX Highlights
A New Initiative
The Counterdrug Intelligence Executive Secretariat (CDX) hosted a meeting
of law enforcement officials at Drug Enforcement Administration headquarters
on November 13, 2002 to discuss the feasibility of establishing a virtual
nationwide drug pointer index system. Under such a system, NDPIX would
be linked with other federal, state, local and regional databases for
the automatic exchange of point of contact data. A nationwide system
would enhance officer/agent safety, minimize duplicative data entry,
and provide a broader base of investigative information on drug investigative
targets.
In attendance were representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,
the United States Customs Service (USCS), Drug Enforcement Administration
(DEA), the Regional Information Sharing System (RISS), High Intensity
Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), and the National Drug Intelligence Center.
Discussions outlined the potential benefits of a nationwide system
and many of the challenges that were likely to be encountered in the
linking of NDPIX with federal, state, local, and regional information
systems.
At the conclusion of the meeting, a motion was made, and, by a show
of hands, passed to adopt the proposal to establish one nationwide drug
pointer system.
New NDPIX Manual
The NDPIX staff plans to release by late February 2003, a newly designed
version of the NDPIX User's Manual that will consist of two sections.
- Section 1 contains detailed technical information and is intended
for use by administrative and technical staffs who may be preparing
to participate in NDPIX.
- Section 2 is an abbreviated version and contains only the information
needed by individuals who will be entering NDPIX transactions and handling
NDPIX notifications.
Annual Survey
The NDPIX staff is planning to distribute its annual survey of participants
during the first quarter of 2003. Responses to these surveys are important
sources of information on the effectiveness of NDPIX and on how it
can be improved. The NDPIX staff requests that, if you receive the
survey but are not the responsible party, you please forward it to
the person who is.
An NDPIX Success
During the course of an investigation of suspected drug smuggling,
DEA New York Field Division, working with the USCS, identified several
members of a ring suspected of smuggling cocaine from the Dominican
Republic through John F. Kennedy International Airport. From March
through November 2002, DEA New York Field Division entered nine targets
into NDPIX. Positive hits revealed that several of the targets were
also under investigation by the Rockland County Police Department.
USCS, DEA, and the Rockland County Police joined forces.
Their cooperative efforts led to 23 wiretaps, three search warrants,
and 45 arrests for intent to distribute 200 kilograms of cocaine.
To date, 44 defendants, described as high level distributors of cocaine,
have pled guilty. In addition to the cocaine operation, the defendants'
organization was also involved in the smuggling of illegal aliens
into the United States from the Dominican Republic.
Western States Information Network
The Western States Information Network (WSIN) has a linkage with
NDPIX that enables RISS participating law enforcement agencies to
submit targets into the NDPIX. Upon completing the entry of a target
into WSIN, the user clicks on the NDPIX icon on the screen to send
the target to NDPIX. When the NDPIX icon is not used, the target is
not sent to NDPIX. When the NDPIX is used, notifications are returned
to WSIN, which then notifies the entry makers.
As of the end of 2002, 83 law enforcement agencies have used WSIN
to enter drug investigative targets into the NDPIX.
Targets to Submit to NDPIX
We continue to receive inquiries on the types of targets that should
be entered into NDPIX. Choices will differ from agency to agency,
just as violators vary in the extent of their criminal activities
and in their numbers. Although each contributes to the overall national
drug problem, each has unique relationships and investigative value
to local, state, and federal criminal investigators. Consequently,
all active investigative targets, including those already arrested,
should be entered into the NDPIX. One never knows if a target is also
operating outside of your jurisdiction. Drug traffickers have no town,
county, city, state, or country boundaries.
Judith E. Bertini, Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Intelligence
