The Westchester Intelligence Center (Intel Center) fosters collaboration and information sharing among the county's 43 local police departments as well as state and federal law enforcement agencies operating in Westchester County. Its mission is to support the criminal investigative process for all of Westchester's law enforcement agencies, through collection, analysis and dissemination of law enforcement intelligence.
The Intel Center is a fully engaged partner, serving as a central hub for producing intelligence-based products specific to the needs of Westchester County.
Functions include:
- assisting homicide detectives with identifying murder suspects,
- geographic mapping of crimes with similar patterns and
- data collection and analysis.
Compiled crime statistics help identify criminal trends.
The Intel Center commenced operations on May 21, 2008. It is located in White Plains, in office space provided by Westchester County.
Funding is provided through federal law enforcement grant money through NY/NJ HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area), state grant funding, asset forfeiture and Westchester County operational funds. The Center is also a fully integrated component of NY/NJ HIDTA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area-Regional Intelligence Center.
Staffing includes sworn law enforcement officers from the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, the Westchester County Police Department, an FBI Field Intelligence Officer, and civilian crime and intelligence analysts. In February of 2010, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety merged its Crime Analysis Unit into the Intel Center.
Additionally, the District Attorney's Office and County Police have detectives assigned to the NYPD/FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, with resources available to the Intel Center.
On a weekly basis, Field Intelligence Officers from various police departments including County Police, State Police, NYPD, and FBI, as well as representatives of Parole, Probation and Corrections, meet with analysts to discuss crime trends and share strategic information.
Monthly meetings occur between the District Attorney and various county police commissioners and police chiefs to review and update proactive public safety strategies.
