The Collin County Observer

Fusion Center kills controversial newsletter

04/06/09

10:45:18 am, by bill

, 311 words,

Categories: Observer Opinions, Homeland Security

Fusion Center kills controversial newsletter

Collin County's fusion center, the NCTFS, came under national criticism last month when its newsletter, the Preventive Awareness Bulletin, used ultra-right websites as a basis for declaring that "mainstream Muslim" organizations were gaining success in endeavors such as establishing a sharia law in the US.

The newsletter used inflammatory internet rumors to call for law enforcement to report on legal lobbying and protest activities by Muslin and anti-war groups, prompting a response from the national office of the ACLU.

The controversial PAB was written by Dr. Robert Johnson, the son of US Congressman Sam Johnson and the prime contractor to the fusion center.

The PAB, stamped "For Official Use Only", is published weekly and is distributed to several hundred law enforcement and other first responder agencies in the North Texas region.

This week's edition, acknowledges what I've been hearing from several sources - which is that most of the recipients of the newsletter consider it a waste of time and toss it in the trash without reading it.

This latest PAB leads with a statement that, "In prioritizing our resources, we also understand that you must prioritize your limited time. Therefore, we will no longer be sending weekly bulletins. However, we will continue to send periodic updates, resources, information and analysis that we believe to be of value to you."

Such is the inglorious end of the Preventive Awareness Bulletin.

The North Central Texas Fusion System is a law enforcement and domestic intelligence data sharing/analysis center housed in the Sheriff's offices but operated by the county's Homeland Security Department. It is funded by federal grants and county taxes.

Dr. Johnson and his company ADB have been awarded over $1 million in county 'no-bid' contracts to build and operate the NCTFS. ADB has also also been criticized for its practices at the NCTFS, including improperly awarding sub-contracted NCTFS work to family members.

Bill

Permalink 2 comments

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Comment from: Collin County Attorney [Visitor]

So, if he's not publishing his newsletter, should he return part of his grant money? You know, since he is no longer providing that particular service? I won't be holding my breath.

Permalink 04/06/09 @ 22:51

Comment from: Zack [Visitor]

· http://www.best-way-2-invest.com/things-you-should-know-about-investing-in-bonds

What was the newsletter intended for?? I don't get the point. Sharia is an alternative for todays' economy, especially after the global recession. Is that worth a protest?

Permalink 09/13/09 @ 02:22

It is my hope that this forum will serve as an acute observer of Collin County government, leading to the return of the county to those it is supposed to serve.

I will post my opinions, fair analysis, news clippings that are relevant to local issues, and your comments.

To post your comment, you may register, or you may post anonymously. Comments will be reviewed before being placed online.

Comments that I consider inappropriate will be deleted, and the commentator warned. All I ask is that discussions remain civil and courteous. The standard for comments here is "common courtesy".

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Bill Baumbach

You can observe a lot by just watching.
Yogi Berra

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The Collin County Observer

Fusion Center kills controversial newsletter

04/06/09

Fusion Center kills controversial newsletter

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