AUSTIN, Texas — It has been a year since five bombs exploded at locations across Austin, killing two people.
- Officials used ARIC as a resource during bombing
- ARIC is comprised of 21 agencies
- Analysts monitored reports
The bombings gave local law enforcement a reason to strengthen the way they work together during times of crisis. A fusion center can be a critical resource, especially when investigations draw hundreds of officers from around the country.
Even though Austin police didn’t have a reason to believe the first bomb that exploded on March 2, 2018, would be part of a series of attacks, they decided to conduct a joint local and federal investigation. By the end of the month, more than 500 officers from different agencies were on the case and that meant working together as cooperatively as possible.
Among the many resources used during the bombing investigation was the Austin Regional Intelligence Center (ARIC). The center is comprised of 21 different agencies. ARIC works to share information among local, state, and federal partners.
On a daily basis, ARIC analysts monitor reports potentially connected to mass violence or terrorism. During the bombings, ARIC personnel helped work tips, track down leads, gather intelligence, and provide background on possible suspects.
“Part of our job is to maintain that network and make sure that we’re kind of a central location for contacts,” said Lt. Matthew Greer of ARIC. “If there’s something going on in Pflugerville and Round Rock, you can just come to us and we know who to reach out to.”
March is typically a busy time for the fusion center. South by Southwest is coming up, so we can expect ARIC to be looking out for potential threats. ARIC leaders say following the bombings, they are looking at how to streamline coordination among agencies.