The Illinois State Police is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center. The “STIC” as it’s called, was created in 2003 in response to the 9-11 terrorist attacks. It’s one of 80 fusion centers across the country.  “It aims to connect pieces of information, investigations, and to help paint a picture of what the threats are to our citizens,” said Chief Intelligence Officer Aaron Kustermann.

Kustermann says that effort is supported by analysts in the watch center of the STIC. Then there is the public safety component, which aims to get information about threats or emergencies to the proper local or national authorities. The STIC is open around the clock, 365 days a year.