The New York State Police along with State and federal law enforcement partners hosted the 7th annual New York State Intelligence Summit this week at the Sagamore Resort Hotel in Lake George. The co-hosts included the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, and the FBI – Albany Division. The summit began on Wednesday, November 18 and continues through today.

More than 250 leaders from federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement and homeland security agencies from Canada and the United States attended to hear from law enforcement representatives experienced in current trends in terrorism, intelligence gathering and sharing, major crime trends, and counter terrorism programs. The event also provided an opportunity for the attendees to receive training in crime analysis, cyber threats, and current narcotics trends.

Last week’s terror attacks in Paris and the State’s response to the potential increased threat of terrorism here in New York have been ongoing topics of discussion at the conference.

“Now, more than ever, this summit is a chance for our partners in law enforcement and homeland security to meet, discuss and fight the threats in our communities,” said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico. “The State Police are committed to holding this type of forum to exchange intelligence, talk about prior events and the challenges we may face in the future. Our priority remains keeping New Yorkers safe.”

“The annual New York State Intelligence Summit brings together a wide variety of leaders from federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement, as well as homeland security agencies, to discuss contemporary intelligence and counter terrorism related issues,” said John Melville, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. “New York State’s risk profile remains elevated due to threats from natural and accidental hazards plus adversarial threats. The information shared and discussed at the summit is invaluable to the state’s law enforcement officials and helps support their collective mission to keep New Yorkers safe and secure.”

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to co-host this event,” stated U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian. “Gathering, analyzing, and sharing information are essential for effective law enforcement. This Summit yields discussions of different perspectives and insights on trends and the increasing threats we face today that advance our prevention efforts and preparedness, and build the inter-agency relationships that are critical in times of crisis. Increased knowledge and expanded collaboration keep our communities safer.”

“The summit is an excellent forum to share with and learn from our law enforcement partners,” said Andrew W. Vale, Special Agent in Charge, FBI – Albany Division. “Such collaborative efforts are how we continually achieve success in facing the varying national security and criminal threats within New York State and beyond.”

“The Intelligence Summit is an excellent opportunity to listen to and talk with security and law enforcement professionals about the challenges facing New York and the nation,” said Major General Patrick Murphy, the Adjutant General of New York. “The men and women of the New York National Guard are working with our state, federal, and local law enforcement partners every day to provide assistance and technical analysis to law enforcement. The Intelligence Summit helps us prepare our Soldiers and Airmen for missions ranging from Joint Task Force Empire Shield and the New York National Guard’s Counterdrug Program.

(YWN Desk – NYC)