The US Security Has Relatively Increased under the Department of Homeland Security - Research Paper Example

An Essay on Homeland Security Homeland Security; Are we safer now? Introduction National security of any given state is paramount to the defense of its sovereignty and safeguard of territorial integrity against foreign threats whether masterminded within or without it boarders. It’s for this reason that the United States of America (USA) reorganized its various security organs in 2003 after the September 11 attack on Twin Towers and Trade Centre. Through this reorganization, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 bringing together approximately 22 separate federal agencies (DHS homepage, 2011). Homeland security, therefore, refers to totality of all state agents mandated ensure security and reduce America’s exposure to terrorism. It was expected that putting the security agencies under one department would enhance their coordination and cooperation with security agencies. Through this, the department was expected to reduce exposure and enhance response to security issues. This reports therefore takes this into account and outlines developments made since then and attempts to illustrate whether US is indeed safer. Methodology In order to successfully illustrate whether the US is safer since the creation of DHS, the study used secondary data on security and literature of relevant publications on US security issues. The study heavily relied on online research which included google books, DHS home library, review of academic journals (Emerald and Ebscohost). The study also utilized available library materials related to the study topic. In addition, the study utilized materials on DHS and federal bureau of investigation (FBI) websites which have invaluable and credible information on security issues in the US. These materials helped to develop a logical structure for the report addressing all relevant issues under the research topic. Information obtained formed the basis of this report which is presented in the subsequent sections of this report. Role of department of homeland security Before discussing whether security in US has improved under department or not, it’s prudent to discuss the role of DHS. According to section 101 of The Homeland Security Act of 2002, the department is primarily mandated to carry out three primary missions, that is, prevent terrorist attacks within United States to terrorism, reduce vulnerability to terrorism and minimize the damage and assist in the recovery from terrorist attacks that occur within the country. From these security missions it can be understood that US views terrorism as the greatest threat to its national security. Other functions of the department include executing all functions of entities transferred to the department, including acting as the focal point regarding natural and manmade crises and emergency planning. The DHS is also mandated to monitor connections between illegal drug trafficking and terrorism, coordinate efforts to severe such connections and put in place measure that thwart development of these vices. In carrying out these security duties, the department coordinates with non-federal entities like the local government personnel, agencies and private sector to ensure information sharing, adequate planning, equipment, training, exercise activities and drills from preparedness and response. National Security Council meetings are used to discuss important national security matters. Types of security threats and progress made From the department of homeland security homepage, the department organizes security issues under five categories, that is, counterterrorism, border security, preparedness, response, recovery, immigration and cybercrime. To critically respond to research topic, facts on security have been obtained from FBI for the respective crime as discussed hereunder. Counterterrorism This has remained the major threat to US security in the recent past and the core reason behind the establishment of homeland security department. Under counterterrorism, the DHS focuses on battling terrorism detecting explosives in public places, creating information sharing mechanisms, thwarting entry and manufacture of explosives as well as protecting core infrastructure and cyber networks from hacking. Since the creation of the departments security has improved due to better coordination and information sharing. For example, the killing of Osama Bin Laden, head of Al Qaeda early this year was all down to better information sharing and improved investigation on terrorism. To some extent, the US is now secure with the man dead though people argue that this has only increase US vulnerability of like retaliatory attacks. In addition, the demolition of Al Qaeda operating zones in Afghanistan has also helped to increase US security though it’s still early to celebrate as resistance to the new government under US watch continues. Cargo and human screening through secure flight program has been put in place, international partnerships strengthened and national preparedness has been enhanced (DHS, 2011). In addition, the DHS has established the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) to ensure that information related to homeland security threats is collected, analyzed and disseminated to all stakeholders in the department, state and local levels, the private sector and the international community (Randol, 2009) Border security US has intensified it border patrol to avert any possible entry of terrorists and protecting territorial integrity. Under this function the DHS effectively secures US air, land and sea point entries. The department also prevents and investigates illegal movement across the US borders and weapon smuggling. This done through intensified trade and travel controls and monitoring entry of goods and persons through major entry points like airports and seaports. For example, since 2004, southwest border control has increased by nearly 85%, pedestrian biometric program has been initiated to verify identity of those entering the US through pedestrian lanes, technology has been deployed to surveillance units and fencing of 650 miles of vehicle barriers and 350 miles of pedestrian fence (DHS, 2011). Preparedness, response and recovery Since the creation of the department there has been achievement in preparedness, response and recovery. For example, DHS has established links where the public can report crimes or possible threats. Blackstone and Hakim (2009) notes that the establishment of a fusion center has improved effectiveness in sharing and integrating information by bringing together the representatives from separate federal, state and local entities under one roof. In addition, FBI post the names and pictures of the most wanted terrorist and fugitives which helps the members of public to take precaution and possible reporting on whereabouts of such people (FBI, 2011). Cyber security It is evident that the next major battle front in security threat is not in the field but on technology and internet. As a result, there have been increased attacks on US cyber networks threatening economic and national security. The DHS has taken note of this put in place necessary measures to combat cyber crime. It has put in place appropriate measure to counter these threats by establishing competent teams everywhere to keep federal network secure and secure the cyber space and critical infrastructure from possible hacking. There has been increased public awareness and training programs on use of cyber space and detection of possible threats. In addition, the department has been carrying out various privacy impact assessments cyber vulnerability surveys and effecting necessary measures to counter the spread of cyber crimes. These programs are aimed at promoting cyber security knowledge and innovation. Conclusion Through this study, it has been established that under the department of homeland security the US security has relatively increased. This is down to the strengthened coordination and cooperation among security agents, local authorities, the private sector and members of the public. Investment in modern technology has also helped to enhance surveillance, crime and threat detection. Cooperation among international agencies and strengthened partnerships have also have a hand in enhanced state security. Elimination of notorious terrorists like Osama Bin Laden has brought some sense of psychological security. However, it should be noted that terrorism and other organized crimes are hard to detect as they evolve everyday and often executed by equally smart people. The more the fight continuous, the more vulnerability and possible retaliation exists. Therefore, it’s imperative that state agencies and members of the public remain vigilante to avoid retaliatory attacks. It is important that key position within the DHS intelligence be filled with competent individuals so as to ensure quality and relevant intelligence is provide to front line law enforcement and security officials (Randol, 2009). Complacency within the security agencies should be condemned as the enemy is likely to take note of this and attack when list expected causing irreversible damage. Going forward, DHS should also identify its weaknesses and act on them as soon as possible. In so doing, the US will continue to experience improved security within and without its borders. References Department of homeland security. Home page. Available from www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/laws/law_regulation_rule_0011.shtm. Retrieved on 1st Dec. 2011 FBI (2011). Most wanted by FBI. FBI home page. n www.fbi.gov/wanted. Hakim, S., and Blackstone, E.A. (2009). Safeguarding the homeland security: Governors and mayors speak out. New York: NY: Springer Homeland security Act of 2002. www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/hr_5005_enr.pdf. Randol, M.A. (2009). Department of homeland security intelligence enterprise: Operational review and oversight challenges for congress. Washington DC: Congressional Research Service. Read More