Action Plan for Homeland Security - Essay Example

Action Plan for Homeland SecurityWilson, Michael and Dobson (12) assert that an action plan identifies the necessary steps towards attaining a certain goal. In the wake of the 21st century, the United States is faced with a wide range of complex challenges that are related to national security. In this regard, I will develop a two-year action plan for homeland security. I will present my action plan to the Senate Homeland Security as well as the United States Conference of Mayors. The plan will be in alignment with the President’s priority goals of to prevent, protect, prepare to respond and recover.

For a leader who is determined and courageous, his/her prevention strategies on attacks and disasters entail strengthening of information sharing and collaboration capabilities. This will entail a robust investigative capacity to address all terror-linked issues and enhancing public awareness on reporting terror related matters. There is need to establish permanent commission that comprises of fire chiefs, police chiefs, mayors, local public health officials, and local emergency managers by the Department of Homeland Security to restructure the local-federal partnership with an aim of strengthening domestic security and safety.

Create a safe and resilient cyber settings and promoting cyber-security innovation and knowledge (Shoemaker, & Conklin, 2011).There is a probability that a weapon of mass destruction will be utilized in a terrorist attack anywhere in the world by the end of 2016 (Graham, 2013). To ensure the safety of American people, the water systems will be protected from natural disasters and terrorist attacks through web-based monitoring of the distribution system water quality and regular water quality sampling combined with analysis in the distribution system.

Reducing vulnerability to terrorist attacks as well as other related disasters by strengthening capabilities that offer protection to public transport systems, ports, high-traffic borders, and other high priority critical infrastructure. The efforts to prevent terrorism will be centered on a layered risk-based approach to the security in the cargo and passenger systems of transportation, borders, and ports of entry. In the event of an electromagnetic pulse, money needs to be provided to the Department of Homeland Security by the federal government in order to offer protection to the electrical grid system.

Office of Homeland Security to be given budgetary control over all federal programs associated with the nation’s domestic protection. Besides that, for those leaders who are visionary and forward looking the Office of Homeland Security needs to be structured in a way that it works directly with mayors in support of their leadership responsibilities. Lastly, there is the need for co-ordination of the federal and local law enforcement agencies.The terrorist weapons are termed as weapons of mass destruction since they can kill very many people at an instance (Koenig, 2009).

The Joint Biological Point Detection System (JBPDS) and Biological Integrated Detection System (BIDS) will be tasked with detecting the chemical biological, radiological, explosives, and nuclear (CBRNE) agents thus reducing vulnerability to attacks. Develop a nationwide laboratory network with ability and capacity to examine for CBRN agents during the usual monitoring as well in response to terrorist attacks along with other related disasters. Response and recover involves minimizing damage and promptly recover from disasters.

It will involve strengthening interoperable communication capabilities whereby systems and organizations to give and accept services from one another across jurisdiction lines so as to operate effectively. Additionally, expand regional collaboration and implement the national incident management system (NIMS). The other strategy is the provision of flexible funding to the local government to plan strategically and respond to emergency situations. The proper usage of the funds requires mayors to be honest, fair-minded, competent, and assertive.

Works CitedSusan, B., Michael S., and Dobson, P. Goal Setting: How to Create an Action Plan and Achieve Your Goals, New York: Taylor & Francis, 2008. Print.  Graham, B. World at Risk: The Report of the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism. New York: Vintage Books, 2013. Print. Koenig, L. Preparedness for terrorism: Managing nuclear, biological and chemical threats. Ann Acad Med Singapore , 36.12 (2009), 1026-1030.Stojkovic, S., D. Kalinich and J. Klofas. Criminal justice organizations: Administration and management.

New York: Wadsworth, 2012. Print.