Arizona, Calif., New Mexico And Texas Agree To Share Intelligence

Governor Napolitano has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Governors Schwarzenegger, Richardson and Perry that will enable the four southern border states -- Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas -- to share unclassified and, when necessary, classified intelligence information to provide better homeland security.
"The safety and security of citizens is of primary importance," said Governor Napolitano. "By working together, the southern border states can better coordinate and strengthen security throughout the region."

The four states are formalizing a cooperative relationship between the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC), the California State Terrorist Threat Assessment Center (STTAC), the New Mexico Office of Homeland Security, and the Texas Fusion Center (TFC).

Under the MOU, intelligence information will be shared on a routine basis and under special circumstances. The state intelligence fusion centers will conduct at least one joint exercise per year to assure that intelligence is being quickly and effectively shared.

Governor Napolitano opened the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center in May 2004 as the state's central analysis hub for real-time crime and terrorism-related intelligence and information. Today the ACTIC is staffed with more than 200 detectives, special agents, analysts and other personnel representing 34 state, local and federal agencies. ACTIC was the first state fusion center to include complete integration of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF).

The agreement is valid for five years, and then may be renewed annually if all parties agree.

Arizona and New Mexico signed a similar agreement in 2004. The original agreement, however, did not cover classified intelligence.
To view the:MOU