On April 4, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano addressed the 2012 National Fusion Center Training Event. "Homeland security," the Secretary stated,"begins with hometown security, and fusion centers play a vital role in keeping communities safe for all across America." She went on to say,"Fusion centers enhance hometown security in many ways - as they are uniquely well-positioned to help local officials better protect their communities from all threats, whether it is terrorism or other criminal activities." The Secretary also spoke to the "importance of collaborating with federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to improve information sharing and analysis." She also "emphasized the importance of working jointly with fusion centers to further develop their grassroots analytic capabilities, sot that national intelligence can be placed in a local context."

The Secretary also used the event to talk to the ongoing success and growth of the Department's "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign. The campaign, since its launch, has concluded partnerships with numerous sports teams and leagues, transportation agencies, private sector partners, state municipalities, and colleges and universities. A new series of Public Service Announcements have also been distributed to television and radio stations around the country.