Information is the lifeblood of effective justice and public safety. The integration of justice, public safety, intelligence, and other governmental information transcends the day-to-day operational needs and priorities of justice agencies and has become, particularly in light of the terrorist attacks of 9/11, a national and international security imperative. A variety of emergency situations in recent years have demonstrated the tragic consequences that often result from the inability of agencies to effectively share timely and accurate information. Terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and large-scale organized criminal incidents too often have served as case studies that reveal weaknesses in our information sharing capabilities.