DHS rolls out tactical network

The Homeland Security Department has taken the wraps off the Homeland Security Information Network, an upgraded version of the Joint Regional Information Exchange System pilot that it developed with help from the Defense Intelligence Agency.

In announcing the rollout last month, DHS Secretary Tom Ridge said the network will let police "receive and share tactical information, quickly piece together the puzzle and see if an incident poses a threat."

DHS plans to expand the network to all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, tribal governments and major cities.