FBI Global Command and Communications Center

Strategic Information & Operations Center (SIOC)

The Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC) is the FBI’s global command and communications center. It operates around the clock to maintain enterprise-wide situational awareness and to provide FBI leadership with strategic information by serving as a clearinghouse to collect, process, and disseminate information in a timely manner.

SIOC provides a platform for more informed decision-making.

SIOC can function as a:

  • global 24/7 watch command center
  • controlled environment for operational missions and fusion cells
  • crisis management center supporting operational oversight
  • platform for executive decision-making
  • training and education center
  • information processing and telecommunications center

History 

  • 1987: Simultaneous prison uprisings in Oakdale, Louisiana and Atlanta, Georgia made it clear that FBI Headquarters needed a permanent center to handle several crises at a time. SIOC was designed as a 24/7 command post, capable of carrying out a full range of crisis management functions by one medium and one small crisis action team simultaneously, both in constant contact with field commanders and other law enforcement agencies.
  • 1989: SIOC was created and replaced an ad hoc emergency operations center that was designed for specific crisis situations.
  • 1995: SIOC was upgraded and improved.
  • November 20, 1998: The new SIOC was inaugurated by former President George H.W. Bush during the FBI’s 90th anniversary celebration. The center’s full name is the George Bush Strategic Information and Operations Center, as a reflection of the original SIOC being created for and opened on his inauguration as 41st President of the United States. The center officially opened for business when President Bush pushed the “Full Alert Button” and sent an e-mail to all FBI employees.
  • 2008: The Foreign Tracking Program was implemented, which supports the FBI’s commitment to protect the well-being of its employees, their dependents, and its contractors when their overseas positions place them at risk.
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