The Florida Intelligence Unit, better known throughout the state as "FIU” was organized in 1961. It was designed to provide law enforcement officers with a means of sharing information regarding criminals and their activities as they travel the state. This organization allowed investigators throughout the state to get to know each other on a one-to-one level and to freely discuss information about traveling criminals and criminal organizations. Since its beginning with 25 agencies, the organization has grown steadily and today the membership consists of over 183 federal, state, county, and municipal agencies throughout Florida. Along with this growth, came changes in the way we disseminated information. In the beginning, members met and discussed the criminal activities in their individual jurisdictions.