While it has been over a decade since its inception, there has yet to be a strict definition of homeland security. Homeland security is defined, by Collins English Dictionary, as “precautions taken by the government of a specified country against terrorist attacks” (homeland security, n.d.). Many definitions are seen as generalizations, and do not seem to fully encompass the entirety of homeland security. I believe the overlying non-ability to agree on a single definition is due to the overwhelming aspect of always being in a constant state of adaption, defending against ever evolving terrorism and natural disasters. Homeland security is made up of many aspects that are just like terrorism, in the sense of not having a singular detailed definition. …show more content…
In the eyes of the DHS, it as an organization has a much broader and farther reach than many definitions portray. DHS is an organization that is composed of 22 agencies and subsidiaries. “While most Americans associate the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with terrorism and the terrorist threat, the relatively new Federal agency is actually responsible for the preparation for, the prevention of, the mitigation of, and the response to a much wider portfolio of natural, technological, and intentional hazards” (Bullock, 2016). While there are many different missions within homeland security, the overall intention is to protect the country, its citizens, and its assets. The ability for a catastrophe to happen at any given moment that can affect the entire United States, gives reason to not being able to have a single definition for homeland security. The Department of Homeland Security takes oversight on all major emergencies that affect the United States. I believe that not having a strict definition, could also be beneficial. With an ever changing world, natural disasters can become more detrimental, and terrorists adapt to defense and determine new more innovative ways to strike. Not having a strict definition can give opportunity to continually expand and grow strategy of how to approach situations and more efficiently and effectively prevent, …show more content…
The first area Bellavita discusses is terrorism. In the article Bellavita states that “at its core homeland security is about preventing terrorism and responding appropriately when we are attacked” (Bellavita, 2015). In this section Bellavita states “a national effort to prevent terrorist attacks”, national effort, includes federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, international partners, and individuals” (Bellavita, 2015). It seems clear to me, that in the fight against terrorism, everyone is needed to work in unison to try and eradicate terrorist attacks. “DHS plays a vital role in sharing information with both public and private sector partners that is essential to the nation’s security and resilience” (What We Do, n.d.). Next, Bellavita talks about how homeland security is about all hazards. In this section Bellavita speaks about how “attention to terrorism since September 11, 2001 undermined the U.S. emergency preparedness system” (Bellavita, 2015). Being that the main intention of homeland security is to defend against terrorism, it may be more beneficial to separate this agency into smaller factions, so that each agency knows what to focus on and can become more efficient and effective at their role. Recently, I believe this same narrative rings true, with all attention on
Homeland Security Presidential Directive 5 directly relates to the National Incident Management System and the National Response Framework. In fact, it directly correlates with their missions. HSPD-5 was the directive that needed to start things in motion; NIMS and the NRF are the aftermath of the directive. With the formation of NIMS and soon after the NRF, America can operate successfully under one national manage...
After 9/11 there was a great increase in security nationwide. One major example of this is the number of agencies created as a result of 9/11. Among these agencies include the creation of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), the DHS (The Department of Homeland Security), the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and lastly the massive advancement of the US Coast Guard. Every one of the budgets of these agencies has doubled since 9/11. The creation of the transportation and security administrations primary goal is to improve the safety of all American Citizens traveling by plane. The TSA started implementing, new policies and new technological advancements.
How does the creation of the Department of Homeland Security affect resources traditionally designated for local criminal justice organizations?
After the fear of terrorism grew in the United States do to the Al Qaeda 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the US Government found a need for a centralized department that umbrellas all other agencies when it comes to homeland security. The U.S. Government found this umbrella agency with the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November 2002, the Department of Homeland Security formally came into being as a stand-alone, Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts. (Homeland Security) With the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) the government had a pinpoint location for the collection and gathering of intelligence, control of policies that effect national security, and a no fail mission. The Department of Homeland Security started to engulf other agencies and created many more, a total of 22 agencies now fall under the DHS. The DHS is control of all areas that deal with national security which included but are not limited to coastal and boarder protection, domestic terrorism, international terrorism, protection of the American people, protection of key infrastructure, protection of key resources and respond to natural disasters.
The general topic for this literature review will be an examination of the Department of Defense and the National Guard in terms of Homeland Security. The areas of Homeland Defense and Civil Support will be primary subsections of Homeland Security which will be reviewed. For purposes of defining a time period none of the literature reviewed will be prior to September 11, 2001. The reasoning for this being to examine Homeland Defense using literature pertaining to 9/11 and the Boston Marathon Bombing, and Civil Support using literature pertaining to Hurricane Katrina.
Homeland security is an American measure to ensure the security of the country. It is the national effort to ensure safety, security, and strength against terrorism and other issues, The goals of homeland security is to which will minimise the vulnerability of the U.S. to terrorism, and reduce the number of damages to the country.
Homeland Security was created to secure our borders against future terrorism and terrorist acts. Homeland Security was not created to provide assistance in times of natural disasters.
In 2002, DHS, “with the passage of the Homeland Security Act by Congress in November, DHS formally came into being as a stand-alone, Cabinet-level department to further coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts” (DHS, n.d.). Not since President Harry Truman consolidated the armed forces into the Department of Defense had the government undergone such a large reorganization. Twenty-two agencies came together to form DHS with tasks that include border patrol, disaster recovery and transportation safety just to name a few.
Terrorism originated back as early as the 14th century. The French Revolution originated the word of “terrorist” and “terrorism” (Terrorism Research, n.d.). The use of the word "terrorism" began in 1795 in reference to the Reign of Terror initiated by the Revolutionary government. (Terrorism Research, n.d.). In recent years, there have been major terrorism events in the United States such as 9/11, U.S.S. Cole, Boston marathon, and the federal building bombing in Oklahoma. Shortly after 9/11, Homeland security implemented five threat conditions (Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green) with red being severe and green being the lowest threat condition. The author further states that local police are in the best position to learn about intelligence regarding terrorist threats and potential targets. Many of the resources available to local law enforcement include crime prevention seminars, community policing and partnerships with local businesses particularly banks, realtors, car rental agencies and
Over the course of the history of the United States of America, the country has had struggles with its own borders and the protection of those borders. Illegal immigration is a big problem and the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and cash over our borders into our country has evolved into a bigger problem. The United States has over seven-thousand miles of border to cover each day. That is quite a bit of land, but the only problem with this is there is a lack of manpower to cover every single mile of border. The US shares its borders with Canada and Mexico. All along these borders are small communities and cities that are occupied by US citizens. This means that these cities and communities require the protection of our Homeland Security Agency.
Homeland security is the way Americans put forth the effort to ensure the homeland is safe, secure, and stands firm against terrorist acts and other hazard that could put the health and welfare of the American people. The mission of the Homeland Security is to prevent terrorism, secure and protect our open borders, uphold all immigration laws, safeguard and secure cyberspace, and be content and resilient when it pertains to disasters.
The first area is the Department of Homeland Security’s mission. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in 2002 by the Homeland Security Act. In 2003 the DHS started their operations. The DHS primary responsibilities and objectives includes prevention, protection, and response to issues that threaten national security. There are five core missions that define the DHS: Managing and securing our nation’s borders, strengthening security initiatives to help prevent terrorism, administering and enforcing the nation’s immigration laws, ensuring that the nation can rebound fast and or prevent disasters, and ensuring the internet is secure by instituting safeguards that protect the nation against cyber-attacks. (TWH, 2003)
Col. Randy Larson, renown author and Director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Center, speaks on an in-depth prospective of the field of homeland security and factors that drive the continued efforts to address future threats to the nation for the 21 century. The area of focus presented in the interview are the various ways an individual may enter the field but are not limited to a particular area of study. For example, health care, agriculture, or political science, there is essential no set track for finding a career in homeland security. Challenges surrounding area of homeland security are the mounting financial burdens and the need for the appointment of leadership at a national executive level to address this realistic future threat. Despite these concerns, evidence suggests quality system practices can assist in guiding theses area and the adoption of tools that support quality improvement when addressing homeland security and future concerns.
Cybersecurity is a government institution implemented by Homeland Security. According to the website for Homeland Security, cybersecurity is operated by a team of skilled professionals who will recognize cyber vulnerability and respond as quickly as possible. The security was mainly built for United States defense reasons, but lately has also dealt with issues within the country. Of course its main purpose is to protect the United States and it will continue to do that. It just recently has taken steps to advance to national security as well as personal security. In 2010 the cybersecurity act that was passed was intended to integrate the private and public sector of cybersecurity for optimal use. Hacking int...
To prevent tragedies like 9/11 from taking its toll on the United States, terrorism needs to be thought about still to this day. One quote that proves this point is, “In 2001, the federal commission warned that terrorists could get weapons that could cause mass destruction. Congress needs to work on the integrated governmental structures to better the nation's security” (Augustine). The nation's security can help with the destruction of weapons that are dangerous to the U.S. This can cause more attacks like 9/11 and create a larger threat to the population.