Subgroup flags siloed intelligence, proposes consistent data sharing and SOPs

Tracy Springer, co-lead of the intelligence and interagency collaboration subgroup, said the subgroup found that data and intelligence needed to address gang activity are often siloed within agencies and that processes for sharing are agency-specific.

"There is a gap in the way that information is gathered and, disseminated," Springer said, adding that much useful information is collected but not reaching the right people at the right time.

Other subgroup speakers said differences in standard operating procedures, terminology and validation thresholds across agencies reduce consistency in intelligence and can lead to information being lost during transitions (for example, between arrest, incarceration and supervision). One speaker noted that "as DEC, we're the largest validating agency in the state," and urged review of other agencies' approaches to determine best practices.

The subgroup identified possible remedies: determine what specific data are needed, establish how the data will be accurately gathered, and set processes for effective dissemination across agencies while respecting confidentiality and reporting rules. The group also pointed to existing, localized collaborations and recent conferences that brought executive leaders together as evidence that cross-agency crosstalk can work.

Next steps: the subgroup will continue defining required data elements, explore centralized or interoperable platforms, and identify training and SOP-alignment opportunities to make statewide information-sharing more timely and actionable.