ODNI names new unit director

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. director of national intelligence has named a new Office of Policy, Plans, and Requirements director of homeland security and law enforcement.

Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell announced the appointment of Bart Johnson as director for homeland security and law enforcement support and outreach. Officials say Johnson will help establish collaborations among officials throughout the government and oversee "national intelligence support to federal, state, and local customers who are on the front lines of homeland security," the release said.

"Mike Johnson has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and is acutely aware of the importance of information sharing and collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement entities," David Shedd, deputy director of national intelligence for policy, plans, and requirements, said in a statement. "His contributions will be invaluable to the mission of the ODNI as we work to integrate domestic and foreign intelligence in defense of the nation."

Johnson is a 23-year veteran of the New York State Police. He has served in several criminal intelligence positions including as a deputy superintendent in charge of field command overseeing the N.Y. State Police's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Uniform Force and Office of Counter Terrorism.