A Domestic Intelligence Agency for the United States?
A Comparative Analysis of Domestic Intelligence Agencies and Their Implications for Homeland Security

James Burch

James_Burch

ABSTRACT:
The intelligence community has attempted to refocus to track terrorists that use unconventional means — a more complex task. This complexity is compounded by terrorist disregard for borders, laws, and transnational financing. As a result, the U.S. has attempted to change its concept of domestic intelligence through enactment of legislation and other initiatives. There is uncertainty whether these initiatives have resulted in better intelligence. The challenge for developing domestic intelligence capabilities centers on establishing them within a larger framework, to ensure information sharing and to implement oversight mechanisms to protect civil liberty. Organizational mechanisms, information sharing, and oversight are the critical components. An alternative is to create a domestic intelligence agency. This article examines the issues of instituting such an agency. It assesses the intelligence organizations of countries that possess democratic institutions — the United Kingdom, Australia, and India. This examination will determine whether U.S. intelligence reforms are targeting intelligence shortfalls. It will also determine whether the establishment of a domestic intelligence agency is viable for meeting the asymmetric threats of the 21st Century.

Read full article.