Intelligence & Counterterrorism
Intelligence and Counterterrorism
Intelligence and Counterterrorism
The Intelligence and Counterterrorism division provides Integrated Statewide Public Safety Intelligence through a multi-jurisdictional public safety intelligence network capable of generating tactical, operational, and strategic intelligence that supports both public safety practitioners and policy makers. This intelligence network increases the state’s ability to prevent mass attacks in public places and enhances its ability to quickly respond to ongoing and subsequent attacks, regardless of motive.
ICT maintains several programs that support the major activities of the Department: Intelligence (Texas Fusion Center, State Intelligence, Field Operations, Critical Infrastructure Protection, Missing Persons and Missing Children Clearing House, and Crimes Against Children Center), and Counterterrorism (Texas Homeland Security Unit, and the Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network).
Texas Fusion Center
Texas Fusion Center
The Texas Fusion Center (TxFC) is comprised of multiple local, state, and federal agencies that work together to share information, resources, and expertise to maximize the government’s efforts to safeguard the nation and prevent criminal activity.
Data fusion involves the exchange of information from different sources, including law enforcement, public safety, and the private sector. When combined with appropriate analyses, it can result in meaningful and actionable intelligence and information. The intelligence/fusion process turns information and intelligence into knowledge. The primary emphasis of fusion is to identify emerging terrorism-related threats and risks as well as to support ongoing efforts to address criminal activities.
Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network
Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network
The Texas Suspicious Activity Reporting Network (TxSARNet) is a statewide network that creates a holistic view of terrorism, crime, and school safety related suspicious activity in Texas. The network centralizes the suspicious activity reporting from the public, fusion centers, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and school districts in Texas. Using a single system ensures that all tips from different parts of the community and state are integrated, thereby allowing law enforcement to respond to threats rapidly.
DPS partners with school districts to utilize the statewide reporting system, iWatchTexas, and encourages parents, students, and teachers to report potential threats to the safety and security of any school, student or faculty member in Texas. The iWatchTexas system was created as a partnership between communities and law enforcement and is accessible through a mobile application, the internet, or by telephone. All reports can be submitted anonymously.
State Intelligence Team (SIT)
State Intelligence Team (SIT)
The State Intelligence Team (SIT) enhances the state's ability to detect, assess, and prioritize threats to the safety and security of its citizens. This team produces multi-agency State Intelligence Estimates (SIEs) on issues related to homeland security and public safety in Texas. SIT is composed of several units including: The Organized Crime Intelligence Unit (OCIU), Homeland Security Unit (HSU), Special Crimes Intelligence Unit (SCIU), and the analysts supporting the Highway Safety Operations Center (HSOC).
Missing Person Alerts Program
Missing Person Alerts Program
The goal of the Missing Person Alerts program is to rapidly notify the public of specific missing person cases, promoting tips and leads to law enforcement. Advisories can be issued within any Texas geographical area, including statewide. Specific alerts include: AMBER, Silver, Blue, Endangered Missing Person, Camo and CLEAR.