Purpose of the study The purpose of this memorandum is to give recommendations for increasing the effective use of intelligence in homeland security. Background and discussion The role played by intelligence in enhancing security cannot be overemphasized. There are many types of crimes, which cannot be deterred without the support of intelligence information. War on terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and drug trafficking are just a few examples of serious crimes, which cannot be stopped without the aid of intelligence information (Ivan 2005, 2). Systems of providing intelligence information have been put in place in the past, which have recorded both successes and failures. Nevertheless, owing to the sensitivity of the matters requiring intelligence information, any failure in the timely provision of such information can have a devastating effect. More so, if this failure is related to information that would have helped curb an occurrence, which ends up killing people, damaging property, and tainting the image of National security systems (Joseph 2006, 3). Additionally, coordination between intelligence systems and law enforcement agencies is of great importance in winning the war against domestic and international crime, which threatens state security. Recommendations for increasing effective use of intelligence The following are some of the recommendations that can be applied to increase the effective use of intelligence in homeland security: Enhanced coordination between elements of intelligence and law enforcement agencies It has emerged that the nature of terrorism threats has changed over time. In the past, terrorism entailed an organized strike of the USA by terrorists, aimed at killing and destroying property. However, this pattern has changed, with the current trend being that of terrorists attacking the USA and its allies, through attacking foreign USA missions (Brian, Margaret and Peter 2001, 7). This makes it difficult to know the next target, and has made the fight against terrorism a great challenge in that, it is no longer just a matter of enhancing security internally, but also in all regions where the US has interests. Therefore, more coordination is required between intelligence units and law enforcement agencies, to stop any planned crime before it happens. Any delay in coordination is detrimental since it can lead to irreversible consequences. Creation of a decentralized intelligence structure As the threat of crimes increases, so does the need to enhance intelligence information gathering and timely communication. Therefore, the intelligence structure must be decentralized to the grassroots, to be able to track relevant information from all angles (Richard 2007, 12). This would enhance the ability of the security apparatus to respond to any threat, regardless of its magnitude, serving to curb such threats from thriving and becoming bigger crimes, which are difficult to address. Through the decentralization of intelligence structure, no wind of potential threat or organized crime would go unnoticed. This way, the efficiency of security systems is enhanced, as problems to be addressed would be fewer (Joseph 2006, 40