In an effort to enhance the state’s ability to address evolving threats, the Virginia State Police has established a new Homeland Security Division (HSD), aimed at securing the Commonwealth from both domestic and international dangers. This move comes as part of a broader strategy to improve collaboration across state, local, tribal, and federal agencies in identifying and addressing criminal and terrorist threats.
Since its inception in 2005, the Virginia Fusion Center (VFC) has been a critical component of Virginia’s threat detection and intelligence sharing efforts. Housed within the Virginia State Police, the VFC processes and analyzes information about criminal and suspicious activities, providing essential data to stakeholders across various levels of government to safeguard citizens, businesses, and visitors in the state.
The new Homeland Security Division will build upon the foundation laid by the VFC, expanding its capabilities to tackle emerging threats. The division is organized into two sections: Collection and Analytical. The Analytical Section will focus on processing intelligence related to both domestic and international threats, while the Collection Section will enhance efforts to protect critical infrastructure, intervene against targeted violence, and collaborate with private and public sector partners…