Open Source Homeland

UIC’s emergency response system - News
The UIC website’s homepage issued an alert shortly after SSB and EPASW were evacuted after a potential gun threat Friday stating the following, “UIC and Chicago Police are investigating a report of a gunshot at the Student Services Building at Harrison and Racine. Initial search turns up no evidence of gunfire. The building is being evacuated. Please stay clear of the area. Further updates as soon as they are available.”

However, some students and staff are questioning the decision of the university not to send out an emergency text message SMS and e-mail alert Friday afternoon indicating there was possible danger on campus.

“UIC did not alert students at all. Many signed up for the Text Message Alert System and nothing was sent out. Rumors were spreading and the only notice we had was the Website alert, which is obviously not effective for those students who were in class,” an anonomyous student said.

The never-ending quest for interoperability |Reality Check | Ephraim Schwartz | InfoWorld
From the Pony Express to tools for the intelligence community, it’s still about aggregating and recognizing patterns in data

Earth Intelligence Network
Public intelligence in the public interest.

Overhauling Homeland Security - Council on Foreign Relations
The White House, too, is looking to revamp its homeland security policies. President Obama is exploring an overhaul (WashPost) of the White House’s National Security Council (NSC), including incorporating some or all of the functions of the Homeland Security Council, set up during the Bush administration to advise the president, into those of the NSC. Lawmakers have voiced skepticism about the plan. Additionally, the president’s budget request seeks to increase DHS funding for transportation, cyber security, biological security, and improved coordination with state agencies.