The effective coordination of federal, state and local law enforcement resources is essential to reducing crime. To that end, the Law Enforprcement Coordination (LEC) identifies key areas of concern where federal resources and leadership can have the greatest impact. This effort has resulted in joint training for federal, state, and local investigators and prosecutors; focused action on specific issues such as anti-terrorism, firearms, gang violence, bank robbery, and hate crimes; and provides greater flexibility and resources to enforce state and federal laws. The following is a summary of some of those projects and initiatives. For more information or for questions, please contact Steve Hess at 410-209-4930 or e-mail at
Steven.Hess@usdoj.gov.
Anti-Terrorism
Since the tragic events of September 11th and in accordance with the revised mission of the U.S. Department of Justice, the LEC has become an integral part of the District of Maryland’s anti-terrorism efforts. The Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) serves as an umbrella organization to coordinate activities, develop policy and implement a strategic plan to combat terrorism in Maryland, as well as to coordinate with ATACs around the nation. Specifically, the group serves to:
1) facilitate information sharing between federal, state and local authorities (Intelligence/MCAC);
2) disrupt terrorism activity within the State through aggressive investigation and prosecution (Joint Terrorism Task Force); and
3) assure that the organizational structure and plans exist to effectively respond to any future terrorist incidents in the state (Emergency Response Plan); and
4) provide quality training across disciplines and levels of government.
In addition to assisting in the larger mission of the ATAC, the LEC serves as the Chief Information Officer for the District of Maryland and coordinates the intelligence function of anti-terrorism efforts. The Intelligence Officer for the USAO provides invaluable assistance in this regard. The intelligence component is designed to enhance and serve the investigative component and to provide advance notice to assist with emergency preparedness plans. Its purpose is to collect, analyze, evaluate and disseminate intelligence information regarding terrorism. This effort has been a primary focus since September 11 with the creation of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center (MCAC). The MCAC is a national model of federal, state and local cooperation and collaboration across multiple disciplines involved with homeland security.
