Department Of Homeland Security Essay

The Department of Homeland Security is not only responsible for the terrorism hazard but also other hazards as well. Looking at the history of the Homeland Security concept reveals that the major aim of forming agencies that would later lead to the conceptualization and the creation of the Homeland Security Department was to address emergency issues, with an emphasis on the issue of unexpected terrorist attacks. With time, the objectives became wider to encompass terrorism and other natural hazards. The Department of Homeland Security was tasked with emergency preparedness and the provision of effective responses. Although initially focused on the terrorism issue, the 2005 Hurricane Katrina event led to the department’s major modification in its goals as it became an ‘all hazard’ department. The modification meant that the Department of Homeland Security evolved bureaucratically to include responses to all natural and catastrophic events. Furthermore, the strategic plans issued by the Department of Homeland Security have evolved over time to include attention to all hazards. For instance, the 2010 and the 2012 Homeland Security Strategic plans were

These efforts have been concentrated and coordinated among national agencies, state agencies, local and tribal agencies. The need to become an ‘all hazard’ department is a responsibility that Homeland Security should have. The protection and preparedness to respond to all hazards will ensure that the American citizens are not only protected from terrorism but also from other risks that may emerge. Homeland Security is best placed to offer mitigation, response, and recovery in case of hazards (Oliver, Oliver, Marion & Hill,