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In April 2003, the Department of Public Safety
consolidated its efforts in the areas of counter-terrorism
intelligence gathering and the security of critical
infrastructure by creating the Office of Intelligence,
Security and Counter-Terrorism (ISCT) and appointing its
first director. The ISCT was created to increase the
efficiency and effectiveness of the County’s deterrence
and prevention counter terrorism activities.

The ISCT is tasked with the collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence
information; development of proactive initiatives and reactive strategies responsive
to intelligence/threat information; identification of capabilities and coordination of
activities between county departments, local, state and federal law enforcement
agencies and our private sector partners; identify federal, state and non
governmental funding sources to help protect critical facilities and critical
infrastructure within the County; and develop and provide awareness materials and
presentations for law enforcement, business and citizen groups within the
community.

Information/Intelligence Sharing
The ISCT gathers and develops intelligence to help ensure the security of County
residents, critical infrastructure within the County, and those who work, visit or
recreate in Westchester.

This includes identifying, analyzing and sharing relevant domestic and international
incidents; coordinating and monitoring local and regional preparedness efforts;
conducting vulnerability assessments and risk management analyses; monitoring
threats and make recommendations to deter, detect, prevent and respond to
terrorist incidents.

The ISCT data mines multiple sources and local, state and federal law
enforcement agencies, to gather public, law enforcement sensitive and classified
information concerning security and terrorism. Once consolidated, the information
is analyzed and assessed for its relevance to Westchester County, surrounding
counties and New York State. A weekly report is disseminated to law enforcement
agencies within Westchester County and several counter terrorism zones within
New York State as a means of providing a single resource document for related
issues.

The ISCT continues to coordinate its efforts with the Security Sub-Committee of
the Westchester County Chiefs of Police Association, the New York State Police,
the New York City Department of Environmental Protection Police and federal law
enforcement to identify and resolve security concerns beyond the capabilities of
one law enforcement agency. Additionally, the Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Task
Force continues to share intelligence and appropriate on-going investigative
information.

Security
 Since September 11, 2001, security of critical infrastructure/key assets has taken
a prominent role in homeland defense. Whether the asset is a building, bridge,
energy infrastructure, school, essential personnel or transportation asset, each
requires a unique assessment of its threats, vulnerabilities and risks. The
Corporate Security Sub-Committee, consisting of representatives of various private
sector security managers from around the County, addresses significant
physical security and protocol issues with respect to emergency first responders.
Also, to enhance coordination and communications advantages, private
businesses provide a representative to the County’s Emergency Operations Center
when it is fully activated.  Substantial security efforts have been made at the
Westchester County Airport and Kensico Dam. The Airport has undergone
significant security improvements, including a state-of-the-art security system.
Enhanced coordination with the New York City Department of Environmental
Protection Police has produced significant security improvements at the Kensico
Dam.

Counter-Terrorism
Public awareness is an essential element for success in homeland defense.
Often, our day-to-day battle is with “complacency.” In an effort to shake lethargy
and battle complacency, the ISCT developed awareness materials and conducts
presentations for business and community groups.

 

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