Homeland Security - Case Study Example

Homeland Security Introduction Terrorist attack of September 11th, 2001 was a turning point to the way Americans look at homeland security (May, Jochim and Sapotichne, 2011). According to Brook and King (2007), the September 11th attacks have seen enhanced coordination in preparedness among state, federal and municipal agencies. Moreover, community groups, private sector and individuals are currently engaged in homeland security issues. Homeland security is considered as the responsibility which all cities in the country are willing, able and must be ready to assume. Homeland security is a responsibility that is here to stay and to discharge this responsibility calls for higher allocation of public funds to enhance disaster preparedness. This paper will explore the various homeland security issues mostly those touching on border control, allocation of funds to the department, cyber crime, security in the transport sector, disaster response and intelligence. Responsibilities of Various Agencies in Homeland Security Homeland security have come to me different things to different people. According to the federal government, homeland security is defined as the concerted national efforts used in prevention of terrorist attacks in US, reduction of the countries vulnerabilities to terrorism, cutting down the losses caused by terrorism and enhance the ability to recover from attacks (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). To enhance homeland security, a national strategy was developed based on various principles. These principles include a principle which calls on accountability and responsibility of all the stakeholders involved in homeland security (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). The second principle is that of mobilization of the entire society and one that requires risks to be managed and resources allocated judiciously (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). Other principles in development of the National Strategy for Homeland Security require that there is flexibility in the programs, assessment of the level of preparedness and ensure that efforts taken are sustained. Administration of homeland security is conceived on an approach of distributed responsibility among the Congress, state, local governments and the private sector. The responsibilities of the federal level in homeland security include facilitation of information between different agencies and streamlining sharing of such information between intelligence and enforcement agencies (Wise, 2006). The federal level also has a role in expanding the current extradition authorities and reviewing the mandate of military assistance in homeland security. The federal also holds the responsibility of reviving the authority of the president in reorganization of different agencies with an aim of enhancing homeland security. Additionally, federal governments have a responsibility to offer management flexibility for the homeland security department. The federal government is also charged with the responsibility of tactically analyzing threats and strategically analyzing the enemy. The federal government must also carry out assessments of the vulnerabilities of the country to attacks and issuing of warning and prevention actions. Early warning in against terrorism attacks enhances the preparedness of the citizens. Federal government develops strategic policies for prevention of attacks (Wise, 2006). The state level governments have responsibilities in training personnel involved in fighting cyber crime, prevention of money laundering and review the quarantine authorities (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). State governments have a role in ensuring the continuity of the judiciary and enhancement of the capacity of the market to insurance against terrorism. Municipal councils have the responsibility of establishing planning teams which comprise of different members representing different groups which come up with policies and practices to be observed in response to threats of attacks. Municipalities are also expected to analyze their capabilities in managing threats to homeland security and assess the hazards within their jurisdictions. Municipalities have responsibilities of developing plans detailing the emergency plan for the city and implement those plans to prevent and reduce vulnerabilities. Funding allocation for Homeland security The funds allocated for homeland security are categorized as discretionary spending and are therefore offered through appropriations. Most of the funds allocated in homeland security go to border protection and implementation of the immigration laws (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). According to Congressional Budget Office (2005), funds for homeland security are allocated to more than two hundred appropriation accounts in the federal budget and this complicates the tracking of how such funds are spent. The funds allocated for homeland security have been rising since the September 11th attack. Federal government makes substantially allocation for homeland security and some of these finances are passed down to state and local authorities to implement their plans. Allocation to state and local authorities is done given that they are at times best positioned to respond to emergencies and are considered as the first responders. Although it is not possible to determine the total amount that state and municipalities allocate for homeland security; the figures have been rising each year. The funds are allocated for procurement of technologies needed to facilitate sharing of information and communication (Congressional Budget Office, 2005). The funds will also go a long way in enhancing their capabilities in responding to emergencies and protection of critical infrastructures. Private businesses have also allocated funds to provide employee training, security services, enhancing communication and technology and assessment of infrastructure. Goals of Homeland security In the efforts to enhance homeland security, various government agencies in America aim to achieve various goals. The first goal is to enhance intelligence and warning system. This is informed by the realization that terrorists rely on surprise and with it they are able to unleash massive destruction to unprepared culprits. Through enhanced, intelligence, terrorists are likely to be intercepted by the authorities while warning systems will help reduce the loss. Therefore the country requires intelligence systems that are able to detect terrorism activity before they are undertaken so that preemptive, protective and preventive measures can be taken. According to the National Strategy for Homeland, the initiatives that will see enhanced intelligence and warning include increasing the analytical capabilities of FBI, implementation of a Homeland Security Advisory System and employing of red team techniques (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). The other goal of homeland security is to enhance the security along the borders and transport system. Traditionally, US relied upon the vast area of the oceans and its neighbors to protect its borders (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). The private sector offers most forms of transportat6ion security locally. However the two are now exposed to terrorist attacks and therefore there is need to ensure smooth flow of goods, services and people across the borders while still ensuring that there is protection against terrorism. To achieve this, there is need to ensure that there is accountability in transportation and security, creation of smart borders and enhancing the security in receiving containers that have been shipped internationally. There is also need to reform the immigration system to seal all loopholes and ensure that the coastlines are well guarded. Homeland security seeks to protect infrastructure and assets in the country. Americans relies on infrastructure and various assets to offer critical services to the citizens. These infrastructures include energy, transport and internet systems and are vulnerable to terrorism destruction (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). To ensure that these are able to receive adequate protection, the protection efforts used in protection of the critical infrastructure must be unified and an assessment of this infrastructures be conducted. There is also need to secure the cyberspace to prevent cyber attacks. There is also need to enhance partnership between the federal and local government agencies. There is need to foster partnership with other countries in protection of transnational infrastructure (Office of Homeland Security, 2002). Homeland security aims at enhance emergency preparedness and facilitate timely response to disasters. Timely response calls for integration of the different response plans into a common management plan and create a national management system. Effective response also calls for seamless sharing of information among all the people involved and prepare care givers to deal with emergency occurrences. Emergency preparedness also calls for planning to ensure that the military is well prepared to support civilians in case of disaster. Conclusion Homeland security is of critical importance in the society and efforts are being undertaken to ensure that there is enhanced homeland security especially following the September 11 attack. Budgetary allocation for homeland security has increased with the federal government partnering with local authorities. Different governmental levels have a role to play in ensuring security and deal with terrorism. The goals of homeland security are to protect the infrastructure in the country and ensure that there is border protection. References Brook, D. A., & King, C. L. (2007). Civil service reform as national security: The homeland security act of 2002. Public Administration Review, 67(3), 399-407. Congressional Budget Office (2005). Federal funding for homeland security: An update. Economic and budget issue brief. Retrieved 22nd June from < http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/65xx/doc6566/7-20-homelandsecurity.pdf> May, P. J., Jochim, A. E., & Sapotichne, J. (2011). Constructing homeland security: An anemic policy regime. Policy Studies Journal, 39(2), 285-307. Office of Homeland Security (2002). National security for homeland security. Retrieved 22nd June from < http://www.ncs.gov/library/policy_docs/nat_strat_hls.pdf> Wise, C. R. (2006). Organizing for homeland security after Katrina: Is adaptive management what’s missing? Public Administration Review, 66(3), 302-302. Read More