SD First to Secure Nationwide Information Sharing 

PIERRE – During the past few days, Sioux Falls has become the first city in the nation to connect first responders and emergency preparedness officials to a new secure nationwide service.   Regional Information Sharing Systems Anti-Terrorism Information Exchange (RISS ATIX) has been created to aid in the exchange of homeland security information and protection of the citizens of South Dakota.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, increased emphasis has been placed on the need for improved information sharing and collaboration among officials at all levels of law enforcement, other first responders, and public and private agencies with a need to receive timely information regarding national security or terrorist threats.  

Gov. Mike Rounds has appointed the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) as the state agency responsible for identifying and coordinating with the executives and officials from throughout the state with responsibilities for prevention, response, mitigation, and recovery efforts regarding terrorism and disasters that will connect to this valuable resource.

"This is an unprecedented service that RISS is providing to the non-law enforcement community,” Attorney General Larry Long said. “We would really like to get those who qualify for this service connected, so they can share vital information in a secure way.”   Those interested can contact assistant director Bob Grandpre at DCI to get connected.

Currently, 20 accounts have been activated, with users including mayors, state emergency managers, superintendents, principals, IT people, risk managers and public work directors; 150 licenses are pending hookup and 150 community users have been identified. This will allow participants to exchange secure e-mail, post real-time alerts and information, and locate news articles and homeland security-related Internet links using secure intranet technology maintained by the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS).

“The City of Sioux Falls thanks Gov. Rounds and the DCI for providing us with another tool for homeland defense,” Sioux Falls Mayor Dave Munson said. “This will be very useful in helping us assess our local risk in order to address appropriate security measures.”