Fusion Center Resources To Help You Stay Informed and Safe

Resources

The following are some resources which Maryland's citizens may find helpful.

MCAC SHIELD

The Global SHIELD Network (GSN) is a law enforcement and intelligence network immersed in public-private sector partnerships designed to prevent crime, terrorism and improve public safety. MCAC’s SHIELD Program supports local law enforcement agencies with active SHIELD Programs through joint products, trainings, and facilitating information sharing between agencies.

We work with Maryland programs at Anne Arundel County Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, and Havre de Grace Police Department.

SHIELD Programs offer a variety of trainings, conduct vulnerability assessments of facilities, engage in awareness campaigns in partnership with federal partners, and communicate directly with local private sector partners. By being that source of training and outreach between local LE and partners in their jurisdictions, SHIELD Programs are uniquely developed to make the global approach to security more relevant and accessible to local businesses and communities.

Our network is growing! If you are interested in starting a SHIELD Program in your jurisdiction, please email our team at mcac.cip@mcac.maryland.gov!

Combating Terrorism

License Plate Reader Program

License Plate Reader (LPR) technology provides Maryland law enforcement with automated detection of a vehicle's license plate as they pass the reader. The LPR system consists of a high-speed camera, mounted either at a fixed location or on a mobile patrol vehicle, and a computer to convert data from electronic images of vehicle license plates into a readable format, and then compare the information against specified databases of license plates. The system attaches camera identification, date, time, and location information, to include GPS coordinates, to the digital image and it is maintained electronically in a central location to provide a means of ensuring the license plate number was properly converted. The digital image can include additional information such as:

  • The vehicle's make and model
  • The vehicle's driver and passengers
  • Distinguishing features (e.g., bumper stickers, damage)
  • State of registration

If a given plate is listed in the database, the system is capable of providing the vehicle's location, direction of travel, and the type of infraction related to the notification.

For information about how LPR data is used, please see our LPR Standard Operating Procedure.

For information about the LPR audit policy, please see our Model Audit Policy for Access to and Use of Automated LPR Data.

Critical Infrastructure (Protection)

Cyber-Security