Homeland security

The​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security

Chapter​ ​Objectives

​Understand the documents that define the government’s responses to emergencies that occur​ ​in​ ​the​ ​U.S.

​Know the difference between the National Strategy for Homeland Security and the National​ ​Response​ ​Plan

​ ​​ ​​Comprehend​ ​the​ ​evolution​ ​of​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security

​Understand the roles of the federal, state, local, and tribal governments when an emergency​ ​occurs

Chapter​ ​Outline

•​ ​​ ​​ ​Introduction •​ ​​ ​​ ​Homeland​ ​Security:​ ​A​ ​National​ ​Strategy

•​ ​​ ​​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​(2002) •​ ​​ ​​ ​National​ ​Response​ ​Plan​ ​(2004) •​ ​​ ​​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​(2007) •​ ​​ ​​ ​National​ ​Response​ ​Framework​ ​(2008) •​ ​​ ​​ ​Strategic​ ​Plan​ ​(2012)

•​ ​​ ​​ ​Chapter​ ​Summary

​ ​​Introduction

Toward the end of 2002, President Bush and the Congress established a commission to investigate the attacks of September 11th. The bipartisan committee, formally named the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, or the ​9/11 Commission​, was given the task of examining the circumstances surrounding the attacks, providing an assessment of the government’s response to the attacks, and making recommendations for establishing improved security policies for the future. To do this, the Commission members interviewed government officials, members of law enforcement, intelligence officers, and many others who​ ​provided​ ​their​ ​perspective​ ​of​ ​events.

KEY​ ​TERM

9/11​ ​Commission​—formally​ ​named​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Commission​ ​on​ ​Terrorist​ ​Attacks​ ​Upon​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States,​ ​it​ ​was formed​ ​after​ ​the​ ​terrorist​ ​attacks​ ​on​ ​September​ ​11,​ ​2001​ ​to​ ​investigate​ ​the​ ​attacks​ ​and​ ​to​ ​make​ ​recommendations​ ​for future​ ​preparations.

©​ ​Charles​ ​Dharapak/AP​ ​Images.

The Commission completed its report in August of 2004. The details provided an account of the events leading up to the attacks and a review of why the national security apparatus failed to detect and prevent the incident. The Commission reported that several intelligence agencies had prior information about the attacks, as well as the identities of those involved, but detailed that no agency, even those at the highest level, was able to put all the information together. They concluded that the intelligence agencies were not prepared for such a large-scale attack and that there were serious gaps between the different intelligence groups in terms of information​ ​sharing.

The report included 41 recommendations organized into three broad areas: (1) homeland security and emergency response; (2) intelligence and congressional reform; and (3) foreign policy and nonproliferation. They proposed that Congress should establish a committee to oversee homeland security, that funding to states and local governments should be based on potential targets, and that the TSA should screen all passengers, cargo, and luggage for explosives at borders and at sites of critical infrastructure. Additionally, the report noted that the government’s intelligence agencies should be reorganized with one person who would oversee all national intelligence operations, and to ensure that all of the intelligence agencies shared information​ ​with​ ​each​ ​other.

​ ​​Homeland​ ​Security:​ ​A​ ​National​ ​Strategy

The ​9/11 Report formed the basis of further governmental action to increase the homeland’s security. Immediately after the report was issued, President Bush asked his administration to create new policies that would help guide the national effort to ensure a more coordinated response should another terrorist attack occur. The plans would help to not only prevent an attack but also help minimize any damage done by an attack, and then help the country recover quickly. In 2002, the White House created the ​National Strategy for Homeland Security​. Two years later, the Department of Homeland Security published the ​National Response Plan​. This was followed in 2007 with an update to the National Strategy, and then in 2008 with the ​National Response Framework (from DHS), a document that replaced the National Response Plan. Finally, in 2012, a

new Strategic Plan was put forth by the Department of Homeland Security. Understanding the evolution of America’s​ ​strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security​ ​is​ ​the​ ​focus​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter.

KEY​ ​TERM

National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security​—a​ ​strategic​ ​document​ ​which​ ​guides,​ ​organizes,​ ​and​ ​unifies​ ​our​ ​Nation’s homeland​ ​security​ ​efforts.

KEY​ ​TERM

National​ ​Response​ ​Plan​—was​ ​the​ ​original​ ​national​ ​plan​ ​to​ ​respond​ ​to​ ​emergencies​ ​such​ ​as​ ​natural​ ​disasters​ ​or terrorist​ ​attacks.​ ​It​ ​was​ ​replaced​ ​with​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Response​ ​Framework.

KEY​ ​TERM

National​ ​Response​ ​Framework​—part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security​ ​which​ ​provides​ ​the​ ​guiding principles​ ​enabling​ ​all​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​domestic​ ​response​ ​partners​ ​to​ ​prepare​ ​for​ ​and​ ​provide​ ​a​ ​unified​ ​national​ ​response​ ​to disasters​ ​and​ ​emergencies.

​ ​​National​ ​Strategy​ ​(2002) The 2002 National Strategy was the plan developed by the White House Office of Homeland Security to set a broad agenda for protecting America’s safety.​1 The plan was intended to provide guidance to, and organize the efforts of, those agencies within the federal government that play some role in homeland security. The Strategy stated goals that needed to be met, particular programs that should be implemented, and responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled in order to keep Americans safe. As President Bush wrote, the Strategy was a “comprehensive plan for using America’s talents and resources to enhance our protection and reduce our vulnerability​ ​to​ ​terrorist​ ​attacks.”​ ​More​ ​of​ ​his​ ​introductory​ ​letter​ ​describing​ ​the​ ​Strategy​ ​is​ ​listed​ ​in​ ​​Box​ ​8.1​.

There were three primary objectives to the Strategy: (1) to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S.; (2) reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and (3) minimize the damage and recovery from attacks that do occur.​ ​In​ ​addition,​ ​there​ ​were​ ​eight​ ​principles​ ​outlined​ ​in​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Strategy:

1.​​ ​To​ ​require​ ​responsibility​ ​and​ ​accountability:​ ​The​ ​report​ ​designated,​ ​to​ ​the​ ​extent​ ​possible,​ ​the​ ​executive departments​ ​or​ ​agencies​ ​that​ ​would​ ​be​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​federal​ ​homeland​ ​security​ ​initiatives.

2.​​ ​To​ ​mobilize​ ​our​ ​entire​ ​society:​ ​state​ ​and​ ​local​ ​governments,​ ​private​ ​institutions,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​American people​ ​must​ ​all​ ​be​ ​involved​ ​in​ ​protecting​ ​the​ ​country.

3.​​ ​To​ ​manage​ ​risk​ ​and​ ​allocate​ ​resources​ ​judiciously:​ ​There​ ​are​ ​a​ ​finite​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​resources​ ​for​ ​homeland security,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​Strategy​ ​must​ ​identify​ ​priority​ ​programs​ ​that​ ​will​ ​receive​ ​funding.

4.​​ ​To​ ​seek​ ​opportunity​ ​out​ ​of​ ​adversity:​ ​It​ ​is​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​security​ ​while​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time​ ​advance other​ ​important​ ​public​ ​goals​ ​or​ ​principles.

5.​​ ​To​ ​foster​ ​flexibility:​ ​A​ ​flexible​ ​response​ ​to​ ​terrorism​ ​is​ ​needed​ ​because​ ​terrorists​ ​will​ ​adapt​ ​their​ ​tactics​ ​to exploit​ ​any​ ​perceived​ ​weaknesses​ ​in​ ​our​ ​defenses.

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

BOX​ ​8.1​​ ​President​ ​Bush’s​ ​Letter​ ​of​ ​Introduction​ ​for​ ​the​ ​2002​ ​National​ ​Strategy

“The National Strategy for Homeland Security is the product of more than 8 months of intense consultation across the U.S. My administration has talked to literally thousands of people—governors and mayors, state legislators, and members of Congress, concerned citizens and foreign leaders, professors and soldiers, firefighters and police officers, doctors and scientists, airline pilots and farmers, business leaders and civic activists, journalists and veterans, and the victims and their families. We have listened carefully. This is the national strategy, not a federal strategy. We must rally our entire society to overcome a new and very complex challenge. Homeland security is a shared responsibility. In addition to a national strategy, we need compatible, mutually supporting state, local, and private-sector strategies. Individual volunteers must channel their energy and commitment in support of the national and local strategies. My intent in publishing the National Strategy for Homeland Security is to help Americans achieve a shared cooperation in the area of homeland security for years​ ​to​ ​come.​ ​The​ ​Strategy​ ​seeks​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so​ ​by​ ​answering​ ​four​ ​basic​ ​questions:

•​ ​​ ​​ ​What​ ​is​ ​“homeland​ ​security”​ ​and​ ​what​ ​missions​ ​does​ ​it​ ​entail?

•​ ​​ ​​ ​What​ ​do​ ​we​ ​seek​ ​to​ ​accomplish,​ ​and​ ​what​ ​are​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​goals​ ​of​ ​homeland​ ​security?

• What is the federal executive branch doing now to accomplish these goals and what should it do in the future?

• What should nonfederal governments, the private sector, and citizens do to help secure the homeland?

The National Strategy for Homeland Security is a beginning. It calls for bold and necessary steps. It creates a comprehensive plan for using America’s talents and resources to enhance our protection and reduce our vulnerability to terrorist attacks. We have produced a comprehensive national strategy that is based on the principles of cooperation and partnership. As a result of this Strategy, firefighters will be better equipped to fight fires, police officers better armed to fight crime, businesses better able to protect their data and information systems,​ ​and​ ​scientists​ ​better​ ​able​ ​to​ ​fight​ ​Mother​ ​Nature’s​ ​deadliest​ ​diseases.​ ​…”

Reproduced from: Bush, George W. (2002). “Letter on the National Strategy for Homeland Security.” Public Papers of the​ ​Presidents​ ​of​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States.​ ​Washington,​ ​D.C.:​ ​U.S.​ ​GPO.

6.​​ ​Measure​ ​preparedness:​ ​Every​ ​person​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​homeland​ ​security​ ​must​ ​be​ ​accountable​ ​and​ ​their behaviors​ ​should​ ​be​ ​measured​ ​against​ ​a​ ​standard​ ​developed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​department.

7.​​ ​Sustain​ ​efforts​ ​over​ ​the​ ​long​ ​term:​ ​Keeping​ ​the​ ​country​ ​safe​ ​is​ ​an​ ​ongoing,​ ​permanent​ ​task. 8.​​ ​Constrain​ ​government​ ​spending:​ ​It​ ​is​ ​necessary​ ​to​ ​limit​ ​spending​ ​if​ ​possible​ ​through​ ​programs​ ​like

cost-sharing​ ​arrangements​ ​with​ ​state​ ​and​ ​local​ ​governments​ ​or​ ​the​ ​private​ ​sector.​2

The National Strategy separated homeland security functions into six mission areas, which are described in TABLE 8.1​. The first three of the mission areas are intended to prevent terrorist attacks, and the next two are related to reducing vulnerabilities. The last mission deals with minimizing damage and recovering quickly from any​ ​attacks​ ​that​ ​do​ ​occur.

TABLE​ ​8.1​ ​Missions

Mission​ ​Area Initiatives

Intelligence​ ​and​ ​Warning:​​ ​“We​ ​must​ ​have​ ​an​ ​intelligence​ ​and warning​ ​system​ ​that​ ​can​ ​detect​ ​terrorist​ ​activity​ ​before​ ​it manifests​ ​itself​ ​in​ ​an​ ​attack​ ​so​ ​that​ ​proper​ ​preemptive, preventive,​ ​and​ ​protective​ ​action​ ​can​ ​be​ ​taken.​ ​The​ ​United States​ ​will​ ​take​ ​every​ ​necessary​ ​action​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​being surprised​ ​by​ ​another​ ​terrorist​ ​attack.”

1.​ ​Enhance​ ​the​ ​analytic capabilities​ ​of​ ​the​ ​FBI

2.​ ​Build​ ​new​ ​capabilities through​ ​the​ ​Information Analysis​ ​and Infrastructure Protection​ ​Division​ ​of the​ ​proposed Department​ ​of Homeland​ ​Security

3.​ ​Implement​ ​the Homeland​ ​Security Advisory​ ​System

4.​ ​Utilize​ ​dual-use analysis​ ​to​ ​prevent attacks

5.​ ​Employ​ ​“red​ ​team” techniques

Border​ ​and​ ​Transportation​ ​Security:​​ ​“We​ ​must​ ​therefore promote​ ​the​ ​efficient​ ​and​ ​reliable​ ​flow​ ​of​ ​people,​ ​goods​ ​and services​ ​across​ ​borders,​ ​while​ ​preventing​ ​terrorists​ ​from using​ ​transportation​ ​conveyances​ ​or​ ​systems​ ​to​ ​deliver implements​ ​of​ ​destruction.”

1.​ ​Ensure​ ​accountability in​ ​border​ ​and transportation​ ​security

2.​ ​Create​ ​“smart​ ​borders”

3.​ ​Increase​ ​the​ ​security of​ ​international shipping​ ​containers

4.​ ​Implement​ ​the​ ​Aviation and​ ​Transportation Security​ ​Act​ ​of​ ​2001

5.​ ​Recapitalize​ ​the​ ​U.S. Coast​ ​Guard

6.​ ​Reform​ ​immigration services

Domestic​ ​Counterterrorism:​​ ​“While​ ​law​ ​enforcement agencies​ ​will​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​investigate​ ​and​ ​prosecute​ ​criminal activity,​ ​they​ ​should​ ​assign​ ​priority​ ​to​ ​preventing​ ​and interdicting​ ​terrorist​ ​activity​ ​within​ ​the​ ​U.S.”

1.​ ​Improve intergovernmental​ ​law enforcement coordination

2.​ ​Facilitate apprehension​ ​of potential​ ​terrorists

3.​ ​Continue​ ​ongoing investigations​ ​and prosecutions

4.​ ​Complete​ ​FBI restructuring​ ​to emphasize​ ​prevention of​ ​terrorist​ ​attacks

5.​ ​Target​ ​and​ ​attack terrorist​ ​financing

6.​ ​Track​ ​foreign​ ​terrorists and​ ​bring​ ​them​ ​to justice

Protecting​ ​Critical​ ​Infrastructure​ ​and​ ​Key​ ​Assets:​“We​ ​must …​ ​improve​ ​protection​ ​of​ ​the​ ​individual​ ​pieces​ ​and interconnecting​ ​systems​ ​that​ ​make​ ​up​ ​our​ ​critical infrastructure.”

1.​ ​Unify​ ​America’s infrastructure protection​ ​effort​ ​in​ ​the Department​ ​of Homeland​ ​Security

2.​ ​Build​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​a complete​ ​and​ ​accurate assessment​ ​of America’s​ ​critical infrastructure​ ​and​ ​key assets

3.​ ​Enable​ ​effective partnership​ ​with​ ​state and​ ​local​ ​governments and​ ​the​ ​private​ ​sector

4.​ ​Develop​ ​a​ ​national infrastructure protection​ ​plan

5.​ ​Secure​ ​cyberspace

6.​ ​Harness​ ​the​ ​best analytic​ ​and​ ​modeling tools​ ​to​ ​develop effective​ ​protective solutions

7.​ ​Guard​ ​America’s critical​ ​infrastructure and​ ​key​ ​assets​ ​against “inside”​ ​threats

8.​ ​Partner​ ​with​ ​the international community​ ​to​ ​protect our​ ​transnational infrastructure

Defending​ ​Against​ ​Catastrophic​ ​Threats:​​ ​“…the​ ​threat​ ​of terrorist​ ​attacks​ ​using​ ​chemical,​ ​biological,​ ​radiological,​ ​and nuclear​ ​weapons​ ​requires​ ​new​ ​approaches,​ ​a​ ​focused strategy,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​new​ ​organization.”

1.​ ​Prevent​ ​terrorist​ ​use​ ​of nuclear​ ​weapons through​ ​better​ ​sensors and​ ​procedures

2.​ ​Detect​ ​chemical​ ​and biological​ ​materials and​ ​attacks

3.​ ​Improve​ ​chemical sensors​ ​and decontamination techniques

4.​ ​Develop​ ​broad spectrum​ ​vaccines, antimicrobials,​ ​and antidotes

5.​ ​Harness​ ​the​ ​scientific knowledge​ ​and​ ​tools​ ​to counter​ ​terrorism

6.​ ​Implement​ ​the​ ​Select Agent​ ​Program

Emergency​ ​Preparedness​ ​and​ ​Response:​​ ​“An​ ​effective response​ ​to​ ​a​ ​…​ ​natural​ ​disaster​ ​…​ ​depends​ ​on​ ​being prepared.​ ​Therefore,​ ​we​ ​need​ ​a​ ​comprehensive​ ​national system​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​together​ ​and​ ​coordinate​ ​all​ ​necessary response​ ​assets​ ​quickly​ ​and​ ​effectively​ ​…”

1.​ ​Integrate​ ​separate federal​ ​response​ ​plans into​ ​a​ ​single all-discipline​ ​incident management​ ​plan

2.​ ​Create​ ​a​ ​national incident​ ​management system

3.​ ​Improve​ ​tactical counterterrorist capabilities

4.​ ​Enable​ ​seamless communication​ ​among all​ ​responders

5.​ ​Prepare​ ​healthcare providers​ ​for catastrophic​ ​terrorism

6.​ ​Augment​ ​America’s pharmaceutical​ ​and vaccine​ ​stockpiles

7.​ ​Prepare​ ​for​ ​chemical, biological,​ ​radiological, and​ ​nuclear decontamination

8.​ ​Plan​ ​for​ ​military support​ ​to​ ​civil authorities

9.​ ​Build​ ​the​ ​Citizen​ ​Corps

10.​ ​Implement​ ​the​ ​First Responder​ ​Initiative of​ ​the​ ​Fiscal​ ​Year 2003​ ​Budget

11.​ ​Build​ ​a​ ​national training​ ​and evaluation​ ​system

12.​ ​Enhance​ ​the​ ​victim support​ ​system

Modified​ ​from:​ ​Office​ ​of​ ​Homeland​ ​Security.​ ​(2002).​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security.​ ​Retrieved​ ​online​ ​at http://www.ncs.gov/library/policy_docs/nat_strat_hls.pdf

The National Strategy recognizes four foundations for developing a safer homeland, which refer to four strengths that America has that cut across all of the mission areas, across all levels of government, and across all sectors of our society. They include law, science and technology, information sharing and systems, and international​ ​cooperation.

The first foundation is law, which suggested new federal laws to help in the war against terror, such as the USA PATRIOT Act or the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, among others, which will enable the country to respond more quickly to terrorist activities. In the second foundation, science and technology, the need for new processes and technologies to expand the analysis of information to detect and counter potential attacks was acknowledged. Initiatives in this area include developing countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear weapons, and improving the technical capabilities of first responders. New technologies​ ​will​ ​help​ ​prevent​ ​and​ ​minimize​ ​the​ ​damage​ ​from​ ​future​ ​terrorist​ ​attacks.

The third foundation was information sharing and systems. Information is vital for protecting the nation, and it was acknowledged that while information technology in the U.S. is the most advanced in the world, it has not adequately supported the homeland security mission. The Strategy indicated the existence of gaps in databases of federal law enforcement, immigration, and other agencies, as well as the need for all interested parties to share information. Further, the majority of first responders in state and local agencies do not have compatible​ ​communications​ ​equipment.

The fourth foundation was international cooperation, something a successful homeland security initiative clearly requires. This could include creating “smart borders,” identifying fraudulent travel documents, increasing the security of international shipping containers, intensifying international law enforcement cooperation, and helping​ ​foreign​ ​nations​ ​fight​ ​terrorism.​3

In the end, many of the recommendations made in the National Strategy were based on the findings of the 9/11 Commission. The recommendations covered five broad areas: (1) cooperation, (2) information, (3) border and​ ​transportation​ ​security,​ ​(4)​ ​critical​ ​infrastructure,​ ​and​ ​(5)​ ​response​ ​(see​ ​​TABLE​ ​8.2​).

1.​​ ​​Cooperation​:​ ​The​ ​Strategy​ ​made​ ​it​ ​clear​ ​that​ ​it​ ​was​ ​not​ ​only​ ​federal​ ​agencies​ ​that​ ​are​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​for homeland​ ​security,​ ​but​ ​that​ ​it​ ​was​ ​necessary​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a​ ​coordinated​ ​effort​ ​throughout​ ​society,​ ​including state​ ​and​ ​local​ ​governments,​ ​private​ ​companies​ ​and​ ​organizations,​ ​and​ ​individual​ ​citizens.​ ​They stressed​ ​that​ ​state​ ​and​ ​local​ ​agencies​ ​play​ ​a​ ​critical​ ​role​ ​in​ ​protecting​ ​the​ ​nation​ ​because​ ​they​ ​have​ ​the primary​ ​responsibility​ ​for​ ​funding,​ ​preparing,​ ​and​ ​operating​ ​emergency​ ​services​ ​that​ ​respond​ ​first​ ​to​ ​a terrorist​ ​attack.​ ​There​ ​is​ ​a​ ​need​ ​for​ ​states​ ​to​ ​create​ ​services​ ​that​ ​reinforce​ ​those​ ​in​ ​the​ ​federal government​ ​but​ ​not​ ​duplicate​ ​them.​ ​Instead,​ ​federal​ ​and​ ​local​ ​agencies​ ​must​ ​act​ ​as​ ​partners​ ​and​ ​work cooperatively​ ​with​ ​each​ ​other.

The private sector (private companies) is a key partner in providing for homeland security according to the Strategy, because it has a wealth of information, new ideas, and technology that can be used to help protect the United States from terrorism. For example, pharmaceutical companies can produce vaccines to protect citizens against dangerous biological agents. It was recognized that the government must create​ ​partnerships​ ​with​ ​the​ ​private​ ​sector​ ​to​ ​increase​ ​homeland​ ​security.

TABLE​ ​8.2​ ​Implementing​ ​the​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Combating​ ​Terrorism​ ​will​ ​define​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​war​ ​plan​ ​against​ ​international terrorism

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​to​ ​Combat​ ​Weapons​ ​of​ ​Mass​ ​Destruction​ ​coordinates​ ​America’s​ ​many​ ​efforts to​ ​deny​ ​terrorists​ ​and​ ​states​ ​the​ ​materials,​ ​technology,​ ​and​ ​expertise​ ​to​ ​make​ ​and​ ​deliver​ ​weapons of​ ​mass​ ​destruction.

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​to​ ​Secure​ ​Cyberspace​ ​will​ ​describe​ ​our​ ​initiatives​ ​to​ ​secure​ ​our​ ​information systems​ ​against​ ​deliberate,​ ​malicious​ ​disruption.

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Money​ ​Laundering​ ​Strategy​ ​aims​ ​to​ ​undercut​ ​the​ ​illegal​ ​flows​ ​of​ ​money​ ​that​ ​support terrorism​ ​and​ ​international​ ​criminal​ ​activity.

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Defense​ ​Strategy​ ​sets​ ​priorities​ ​for​ ​our​ ​most​ ​powerful​ ​national​ ​security​ ​instrument.

•​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​National​ ​Drug​ ​Control​ ​Strategy​ ​lays​ ​out​ ​a​ ​comprehensive​ ​U.S.​ ​effort​ ​to​ ​combat​ ​drug​ ​smuggling and​ ​consumption.

Modified​ ​from:​ ​Office​ ​of​ ​Homeland​ ​Security.​ ​(2002).​ ​National​ ​Strategy​ ​for​ ​Homeland​ ​Security.​ ​Retrieved​ ​online​ ​at http://www.ncs.gov/library/policy_docs/nat_strat_hls.pdf

The Strategy also recognized the important role citizens play in protecting the nation. It notes that every person has a key role to play, and that every person must be willing to do their part to protect our homeland. One example is the Citizen Corps’ (FEMA) Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which trains volunteers to support first responders to help victims of an attack or natural disaster. Volunteers are also used to assist law enforcement and the Medical Reserve Corps, which can help healthcare​ ​professionals​ ​during​ ​an​ ​emergency. The Strategy emphasized the importance of cooperation between federal, state, and local government, both horizontally and vertically, by creating complementary systems that provide essential services while at the same time avoiding duplication of services. The Strategy promised to increase collaborative efforts and​ ​coordinate​ ​services​ ​between​ ​all​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​government.

2.​​ ​​Information​:​ ​The​ ​U.S.​ ​must​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​gather​ ​information​ ​and​ ​analyze​ ​it​ ​to​ ​successfully​ ​detect​ ​terrorist activity​ ​before​ ​enemies​ ​are​ ​able​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​out​ ​attacks.​ ​At​ ​this​ ​point​ ​in​ ​time,​ ​the​ ​government​ ​had​ ​not developed​ ​a​ ​unified,​ ​coherent​ ​method​ ​to​ ​analyze​ ​and​ ​share​ ​information​ ​that​ ​would​ ​reliably​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to predict​ ​a​ ​terrorist​ ​attack​ ​within​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​The​ ​Strategy​ ​recognized​ ​that​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​needed​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​the means​ ​for​ ​quick​ ​and​ ​accurate​ ​threat​ ​analysis​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​disrupt​ ​and​ ​prevent​ ​future​ ​terrorist​ ​acts.​ ​It​ ​also recognized​ ​the​ ​need​ ​to​ ​continuously​ ​collect​ ​and​ ​analyze​ ​data​ ​on​ ​terrorist​ ​organizations​ ​to​ ​better​ ​them and​ ​predict​ ​their​ ​future​ ​actions.​ ​In​ ​part,​ ​this​ ​included​ ​understanding​ ​their​ ​identities,​ ​their​ ​sources​ ​of support,​ ​their​ ​motivation,​ ​goals,​ ​current​ ​and​ ​future​ ​capabilities,​ ​and​ ​vulnerabilities.

3.​​ ​​Border​ ​and​ ​Transportation​ ​Security​:​ ​The​ ​security​ ​of​ ​the​ ​borders​ ​and​ ​transportation​ ​systems​ ​is​ ​vital​ ​for keeping​ ​the​ ​homeland​ ​safe.​ ​The​ ​U.S.​ ​shares​ ​a​ ​land​ ​border​ ​with​ ​Canada​ ​and​ ​Mexico,​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​a maritime​ ​border.​ ​Every​ ​day,​ ​people​ ​and​ ​goods​ ​enter​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​The​ ​U.S.​ ​therefore​ ​must​ ​create​ ​a​ ​system for​ ​the​ ​safe​ ​and​ ​efficient​ ​flow​ ​of​ ​people,​ ​goods,​ ​and​ ​services​ ​across​ ​all​ ​our​ ​borders,​ ​while​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same time​ ​preventing​ ​terrorists​ ​from​ ​entering​ ​the​ ​country.

4.​​ ​​Critical​ ​Infrastructure​:​ ​The​ ​critical​ ​infrastructure​ ​of​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​provides​ ​the​ ​essential​ ​services​ ​to​ ​its​ ​citizen, and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​vital​ ​these​ ​are​ ​protected.​ ​They​ ​include​ ​agriculture,​ ​food,​ ​water,​ ​emergency​ ​services,​ ​the​ ​defense industrial​ ​base,​ ​information​ ​and​ ​telecommunications,​ ​energy,​ ​transportation,​ ​banking​ ​and​ ​finance,​ ​the chemical​ ​industry,​ ​and​ ​postal​ ​and​ ​shipping​ ​industry.​ ​Moreover,​ ​the​ ​nation​ ​must​ ​also​ ​protect​ ​other​ ​key assets,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​historic​ ​monuments,​ ​that,​ ​if​ ​destroyed,​ ​would​ ​not​ ​endanger​ ​any​ ​vital​ ​systems,​ ​but​ ​could affect​ ​our​ ​nation’s​ ​morale.​ ​In​ ​addition,​ ​some​ ​high-profile​ ​events​ ​are​ ​also​ ​part​ ​of​ ​our​ ​national​ ​identity​ ​and require​ ​special​ ​protection.​ ​The​ ​effects​ ​of​ ​a​ ​terrorist​ ​attack​ ​on​ ​our​ ​critical​ ​infrastructure​ ​could​ ​be

devastating,​ ​having​ ​both​ ​immediate​ ​and​ ​long-term​ ​consequences.​ ​Protecting​ ​our​ ​critical​ ​infrastructure and​ ​other​ ​key​ ​assets​ ​from​ ​terrorist​ ​activity​ ​will​ ​require​ ​the​ ​cooperation​ ​of​ ​all​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​government.

5.​​ ​​Response​:​ ​The​ ​country​ ​must​ ​be​ ​prepared​ ​to​ ​minimize​ ​the​ ​damage​ ​of​ ​any​ ​possible​ ​attack​ ​and​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to recover​ ​quickly.​ ​To​ ​do​ ​this,​ ​we​ ​need​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​a​ ​comprehensive​ ​system​ ​that​ ​ensures​ ​that​ ​all​ ​necessary response​ ​assets​ ​can​ ​be​ ​brought​ ​together​ ​quickly​ ​and​ ​effectively.​ ​That​ ​means​ ​that​ ​many​ ​different organizations​ ​must​ ​be​ ​equipped​ ​and​ ​trained​ ​and​ ​prepared​ ​to​ ​respond​ ​to​ ​any​ ​emergency.​ ​America’s​ ​first line​ ​of​ ​defense​ ​for​ ​a​ ​terrorist​ ​attack​ ​is​ ​its​ ​first​ ​responders,​ ​including​ ​police​ ​officers,​ ​firefighters,​ ​and emergency​ ​medical​ ​providers,​ ​among​ ​others.​ ​In​ ​the​ ​case​ ​of​ ​a​ ​serious​ ​emergency,​ ​the​ ​federal government​ ​can​ ​assist​ ​state​ ​and​ ​local​ ​responders.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​imperative​ ​that​ ​any​ ​gaps​ ​in​ ​the​ ​current​ ​response plans​ ​are​ ​filled.

​ ​​National​ ​Response​ ​Plan​ ​(2004) In Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5, President Bush ordered the Department of Homeland Security to create a National Response Plan (NRP) to align federal resources into a single, unified, all-discipline, and all-hazards approach to managing domestic emergency incidents.​4 The intent of the Plan was to reduce the “patchwork” of existing federal and local plans and replace them with a national framework that established a single, comprehensive approach for managing responses to emergencies while improving the management of these critical incidents. The objective was to create a clear and coordinated system of communication​ ​from​ ​the​ ​local​ ​level​ ​all​ ​the​ ​way​ ​to​ ​the​ ​national​ ​level​ ​in​ ​time​ ​of​ ​an​ ​emergency.

The NRP was published in 2004. It provides a range of incident management activities covering the prevention of, preparedness for, response to, and recovery from terrorism, natural disasters, and other major emergencies. It creates an overall structure that coordinates the actions of federal, state, local, and tribal organizations (NGOs), nongovernmental organizations, and private-sector groups in emergency situations so that the coordinated response can be quicker and more efficient. The plan applies to fire, rescue, emergency management,​ ​law​ ​enforcement,​ ​public​ ​works,​ ​and​ ​emergency​ ​medical​ ​services.

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

The NRP assumes that all levels of government, the private sector, and NGOs will take part in preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from incidents of national significance. However, the NRP assumes that emergency incidents should be managed at the lowest possible jurisdictional level. This means that state or local government personnel, particularly police, fire, public health, and medical personnel are the first to arrive and often the last to leave an incident site. Under this approach, the local executive, such as a mayor or city manager, is responsible for coordinating local resources that will be used in an emergency situation. The local executive can communicate to the public, and help people, businesses, and organizations recover from local disasters. In some cases, they may have powers to suspend local laws to establish curfews, direct evacuations, and even under some circumstances, order a quarantine, if needed. Local incident command structures (Area Command) are responsible for directing on-scene emergency management and maintaining command and control of on-scene incident operations. If the situation is serious enough, or if issues​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​resolved​ ​at​ ​the​ ​local​ ​level,​ ​the​ ​local​ ​executive​ ​can​ ​request​ ​state​ ​or​ ​federal​ ​assistance.

A state governor is responsible for the coordination of state resources that are needed to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from incidents. For example, a state governor, as the commander-in-chief of state military forces, has the ability to use, under certain conditions, police power to establish order. He or she can

encourage participation in mutual aid programs and can request federal assistance if the state is unable to respond​ ​effectively.

At the regional level, the coordination is provided by a Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC), which will oversee regional response efforts until a Joint Field Office (JFO) is established. A JFO is a temporary federal facility established locally to coordinate operational federal assistance activities to the affected jurisdiction(s) during incidents of national significance. They are multi-agency centers established locally to provide a central location for the coordination of federal, state, and local organizations that have the responsibility for responding to threats and incidents. There are various sections or departments within JFOs, including​ ​operations,​ ​planning,​ ​logistics,​ ​and​ ​finance/administration.

If needed, federal authorities will assist in coordinating the response to an attack. In that situation, the Secretary of Homeland Security will be responsible for coordinating federal operations and/or resources through the Homeland Security Operations Center. This can occur if states have requested federal assistance, if more than one federal department is substantially involved in responding to the incident, or if the Secretary has​ ​been​ ​directed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​President​ ​to​ ​take​ ​over​ ​the​ ​management​ ​responsibilities​ ​of​ ​the​ ​incident.

The Homeland Security Operations Center is the primary national center for coordinating domestic incident management operations. It combines representatives from law enforcement, national intelligence, emergency response, and the private-sector to facilitate sharing of information and coordinate operations with other federal, state, local, tribal, and nongovernmental emergency operations centers (EOCs). The Homeland Security Operations Center includes officials from various federal departments, including the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Health and Human Services, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, the U.S.​ ​Postal​ ​Service,​ ​the​ ​Nuclear​ ​Regulatory​ ​Commission,​ ​and​ ​others.

In some cases, the Department of Justice will provide assistance. The U.S. Attorney General has the responsibility for coordinating any investigations concerning terrorist acts or terrorist threats made within U.S. boundaries or made against U.S. citizens and or institutions overseas. After a terrorist threat or incident, the Attorney General’s office will seek to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. During a terrorist attack, the local FBI Special Agent-in-charge will be responsible for coordinating activities with other members of the law​ ​enforcement​ ​community.

The Secretary of Defense authorizes Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) for domestic incidents as directed by the President. The Department of State coordinates response activities on the international scene. Other federal agencies may play roles as well, including the Secretary of Agriculture, the administrator of the small business administration, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Army​ ​Corps​ ​of​ ​Engineers.

Many other federal agencies may play a role in coordinating response to terrorist acts. For example, the Department of Homeland Security Council/National Security Council are responsible for interagency policy coordination for incident management, and work together to ensure that incident management efforts are united. Moreover, the Interagency Incident Management Group (IIMG) is a federal headquarters-level multi-agency group that oversees incident management. The Group is activated by the Secretary of Homeland Security when needed, depending upon the nature, severity, magnitude, and complexity of the incident. The Group is comprised of senior representatives from DHS, other federal departments and agencies, and NGOs, but​ ​the​ ​exact​ ​membership​ ​is​ ​flexible​ ​and​ ​depends​ ​on​ ​the​ ​specific​ ​incident.

The FBI’s Strategic Information and Operations Center (SIOC) is the control center for all federal intelligence and law enforcement activities concerning terrorist incidents or threats. They will serve as an information clearinghouse to collect, process, and disseminate any relevant information that may be of assistance to those investigating the incident or threat. Found within the SIOC is the National Joint Terrorism Task Force whose mission is to increase the communication and cooperation among federal, state, local, and tribal agencies representing the intelligence, law enforcement, defense, diplomatic, public safety, and homeland​ ​security​ ​communities.

The role of NGOs and volunteer organizations is part of the NRP. Agencies such as the American Red Cross work with first responders, governments at all levels, and various agencies. Additionally, the role of the private sector is important and will vary based on the organization itself as well as the type of incident. The

private organization may provide specialized teams or equipment. Citizen groups such as the U.S. Citizen Corps help to educate and train community volunteers to assist in emergencies. These groups include Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTS), Medical Reserve Corps, Neighborhood Watch, and Volunteers​ ​in​ ​Police​ ​Service.

The many elements of the NRP can either be partially or fully implemented, depending upon the context and level of threat. The NRP supersedes the Initial National Response Plan (INRP), the Federal Response Plan (FRP), the U.S. Government Interagency Domestic Terrorism Concept of Operations Plan (CONPLAN), and​ ​the​ ​Federal​ ​Radiological​ ​Emergency​ ​Response​ ​Plan​ ​(FRERP).

Under the NRP, specific actions used to prevent incidents are essential. These include collecting, analyzing, and applying intelligence and other information; conducting investigations to determine the full nature and source of a threat; implement countermeasures, conducting activities to prevent terrorists, terrorist weapons, and​ ​associated​ ​materials​ ​from​ ​entering​ ​into​ ​the​ ​U.S.

If an incident occurs, federal, state, local, tribal, private-sector, and NGOs organizations must report details of the incident using established communications channels. When the Homeland Security Operations Center (HSOC) receives the information, they will make a determination about the most appropriate response. If necessary, resources such as special teams or emergency facilities will be activated. The HSOC will also report incidents to the Secretary of Homeland Security, who then determines the need to activate components of the NRP. If the Secretary declares the activity to be an incident of national significance, federal departments and agencies will be notified. At that point, state governors or other federal agencies can request assistance from DHS.

Recovery actions need to be implemented immediately after all life-saving and property stabilization efforts are finalized and the scene of the incident is secure. Recovery actions include developing, coordinating, and implementing​ ​site-restoration​ ​plans​ ​and​ ​the​ ​reconstitution​ ​of​ ​government​ ​operations​ ​and​ ​services.

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

​ ​​National​ ​Strategy​ ​(2007) In 2007, The Homeland Security Council published an updated version of the 2002 National Strategy as a way to “guide, organize, and unify our nation’s homeland security effort.”​5 Described as a national, as opposed to a federal, strategy, the updated National Strategy combines homeland security with natural disaster preparedness. This new Strategy reflects a better understanding of the current terrorist threats that confront the U.S., while at the same time acknowledging that natural disasters can be catastrophic, and thus, have significant implications for homeland security. The aftermath of these natural disasters might result in situations that​ ​could​ ​be​ ​exploited​ ​by​ ​terrorists​ ​and​ ​other​ ​seeking​ ​to​ ​do​ ​harm.

In the introduction to the Strategy, President Bush acknowledged that the country continued to face the challenges related to preventing terrorist attacks and preparing for natural disasters. Bush also expressed that the country learned from the events of Hurricane Katrina, and indicated that the new Homeland Security Strategy applies the lessons learned from Katrina to make sure that America is safer, stronger, and better prepared​ ​for​ ​the​ ​future.

The 2007 National Strategy provides a framework for a national approach to protecting homeland security, as did the 2002 version. The report outlining the new strategy presents updated procedures for guiding, organizing, and unifying the country’s efforts for a safe homeland. It provides four goals for the nation:

preventing and disrupting terrorist attacks; protecting the American people, our critical infrastructure, and key resources; responding to and recovering from incidents that do occur; and continuing to strengthen the basic response mechanism in order to ensure our long-term success. The report noted that terrorists can be deterred from​ ​conducting​ ​attacks​ ​if​ ​they​ ​fear​ ​potential​ ​consequences​ ​for​ ​their​ ​actions.

At the same time, the 2007 National Strategy states that the country needs to focus on natural disasters in a similar way to terrorist attacks. Events such as naturally occurring infectious diseases can pose a significant hazard to the country. Natural events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes, or even catastrophic accidents such as chemical spills can pose potential threats to our nation’s critical infrastructure. Therefore, these events need to have the same kinds of government responses to protect the victims, provide services when​ ​needed,​ ​and​ ​rebuild​ ​the​ ​affected​ ​communities​ ​as​ ​quickly​ ​and​ ​efficiently​ ​as​ ​possible.

The new Strategy again reiterates that protecting the country is a shared responsibility between federal, state, local, and tribal governments, the private and nonprofit sectors, communities, and individual citizens. State and local governments will provide the first response to most incidents. The revised Strategy acknowledges that when an incident occurs, first responders will be local personnel. They will assess the situation and must determine the possible causes, the extent of the affected population and geographic area, and the degree of damage. After that, they must take action. Those responding must prioritize and coordinate their actions in an attempt to mitigate the consequences of the incident. They must have a consistent approach and work together effectively to deploy people, resources, and capabilities to where they are most needed. They must also anticipate any additional support that may be needed and consider requesting additional assistance if necessary. It is important that the partnerships between the federal government and state, local, and​ ​tribal​ ​governments​ ​be​ ​strengthened.

However, while most incidents can be handled at the local level, more serious events may require additional support. In those cases where state and local governments are overwhelmed, the federal government will provide​ ​additional​ ​support.

According to the updated Strategy, even as an initial response to an attack is under way, the need to begin recovery operations quickly will be necessary. This can include restoration of interrupted utility services, reestablishment of transportation routes, or the provision of food and shelter. This can come from local officials but can also be from federal officials. Long-term rebuilding efforts may take months. Community services must be restored, which will require planning and coordination from key local officials. Long-term assistance for displaced​ ​victims​ ​might​ ​be​ ​necessary.​ ​Critical​ ​infrastructures​ ​will​ ​be​ ​rebuilt.

The U.S. Congress must also take steps to protect the country. Congress should create laws to ensure that governments have the tools needed to address changing threats while protecting privacy and civil liberties, according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​new​ ​report.

​ ​​National​ ​Response​ ​Framework​ ​(2008) In 2008, a new document was generated by the federal government concerning homeland security.​6 The National Response Framework (NRF) replaced the original National Response Plan and reflected improvements in the country’s ability to respond to national emergencies. The new Framework is based on the previous NRP and retains much of the same content. The title was changed after some claimed the original document was not a plan but a framework for coordinated incident management. The National Response Plan was renamed to more accurately reflect the intent of the document and to encourage the continued refinement of​ ​emergency​ ​operations​ ​plans.

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

Like the NRP, the Framework provides local, tribal, state, and federal officials with guidelines as to how they should respond to critical incidents. It presents a plan so that all responders are prepared for an emergency and know how to respond effectively should an event occur. This document attempts to create a comprehensive, national, all-hazards approach to responding to a terrorist attack or natural disaster, providing guidelines for how tribes, local government, states, the federal government, private-sector, and nongovernmental officials should respond. It is understood that the most effective response will require a unified approach in which the different levels of government provide support for the others. The Framework also​ ​incorporates​ ​appropriate​ ​responses​ ​for​ ​private-sector​ ​agencies,​ ​NGOs,​ ​individuals,​ ​and​ ​households.

The Framework is supported by a NRF Resource Center, which has a website with documents to provide all emergency responders access to the information and tools they might need to carry out their roles under the Framework.​7​​ ​Any​ ​updates​ ​or​ ​changes​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Framework​ ​will​ ​also​ ​be​ ​available​ ​on​ ​the​ ​website.

The NRF is built on five principles, which help to define the response actions. Taken together, these five principles of operation make up the national response doctrine. They are: engaged partnerships (leaders at all levels must communicate and support partnerships by developing shared goals and aligning capabilities so that no one is overwhelmed in times of crisis); tiered responses (incidents must be managed at the lowest possible jurisdictional level and supported by additional capabilities when needed); scalable, flexible, and adaptable operational capabilities (as incidents change in size, scope, and complexity, the response must adapt to meet requirements); unity of effort through unified command (effective unified command is indispensable to response activities and requires a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of each participating organization); readiness to act (effective response requires readiness to act balanced with a clear understanding of risk). From individuals and communities to local, state, and federal governments, national response depends on the instinct​ ​and​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​act.

If needed, the federal government can provide assistance to state and local governments when responding to events. For example, the federal government can provide extra resources to an area affected by an emergency. In situations where there may be holes in the needed services, the federal government could offer assistance. The federal government could provide an incident command structure if local and state jurisdictions are unable to do so on their own. If state or local authorities were able to reestablish their own incident command​ ​structure,​ ​the​ ​federal​ ​government​ ​could​ ​withdraw​ ​and​ ​return​ ​to​ ​its​ ​normal​ ​support​ ​role.

Private-sector organizations play a key role before, during, and after an incident. In many facets of incident response,​ ​the​ ​government​ ​works​ ​directly​ ​with​ ​private-sector​ ​groups​ ​as​ ​partners​ ​in​ ​emergency​ ​management.

One change in the new Framework revolves around the term “Incident of National Significance.” Previously, some people assumed that the Secretary of Homeland Security needed to declare an incident to be one of national significance before the NRP would be implemented and assistance provided. Although this was not the case, many officials continued to be confused about the term. Thus, the term was not included in the new Framework.

The new Framework states that the federal government provides support and resources to state and local governments when there are significant special events such as the United States hosting the Olympics. Events such as these are designated as National Special Security Events (NSSEs) by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Such events are those that may be attractive targets for terrorists because of their political, economic, symbolic, or religious significance. If an event is designated a NSSE, then the lead agency responsible for coordinating​ ​the​ ​security​ ​is​ ​the​ ​U.S.​ ​Secret​ ​Service

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

Another change revolves around the term “Joint Coordination Group.” Instead, the new report uses the term “Unified Coordination Group.” The JFO is led by the Unified Coordination Group, which is comprised of specified senior leaders representing state and federal interests, and in certain circumstances tribal governments,​ ​local​ ​jurisdictions,​ ​the​ ​private​ ​sector,​ ​or​ ​NGOs.

​ ​​Strategic​ ​Plan​ ​(2012) In February 2012, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2012–2016.​8 Each chapter of the report identifies missions, goals, and objectives for the department as it moves​ ​into​ ​the​ ​future​ ​(see​ ​​FIGURE​ ​8.1​).

The first mission identified in the Plan is to prevent terrorism and enhance security in the United States. The primary goal is to prevent terrorist attacks and other threats on citizens. This will be accomplished through understanding the threat, detecting and deterring terrorist operations, and stopping the spread of violent extremism. Another goal to prevent attacks is to stop the unauthorized use of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials. The objectives for DHS in this area are to control access to CBRN materials, control their movement, and protect against their use by hostile agents. DHS identified the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, leaders, and events as their third goal in the mission to prevent terrorism. Their plans to accomplish this include protecting critical infrastructure and making that infrastructure resilient to damage​ ​and​ ​adaptable​ ​to​ ​change.

FIGURE​ ​8.1​​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Homeland​ ​Security​ ​Integrated​ ​Strategic​ ​Framework,​ ​2012

Reproduced from: Department of Homeland Security. (2012). Department of Homeland Security Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2012–2016. Courtesy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​DHS.

The second mission identified by DHS in the 2012 plan is to secure and manage our air, land, and sea borders as a way to safeguard trade and travel. Three goals were identified to accomplish this mission. One is to prevent the illegal flow of people and goods across the borders while at the same time allowing for the safe and efficient flow of legal trade and travel. Another goal is to build partnerships in the global market to help ensure legal global trade and transportation. The third goal is to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations​ ​and​ ​terrorist​ ​groups​ ​that​ ​traffic​ ​in​ ​illegal​ ​drugs,​ ​humans,​ ​and​ ​weapons.

The third mission in the 2012 plan is the enforce immigration laws as a way to remove criminal aliens who pose a threat to the safety of the United States. To do this, DHS plans to strengthen immigration laws and see they are administered effectively. This means that any gaps in immigration policy are identified and corrected, and that the immigration system is simplified so that lawful immigrants can more easily integrate into American society. At the same time, DHS plans to reduce conditions that encourage unlawful immigration. Those who are found​ ​in​ ​the​ ​country​ ​illegally​ ​or​ ​who​ ​violate​ ​laws​ ​will​ ​be​ ​identified​ ​and​ ​removed.

The fourth mission identified by DHS is to safeguard and secure cyberspace. This involves federal executive branch agencies as well as privately owned infrastructure. One goal in this mission is to create a safe, secure, and resilient global cyberspace environment. By understanding the nature of cyber threats and managing the risks, malicious use of cyberspace can be limited. Another goal is to promote a general knowledge of cybersecurity and support innovative steps to increase awareness of threats and means to prevent​ ​them.

The fifth mission in the 2012 Plan is to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate a terrorist attack or natural disaster or any other large-scale emergency situation. Because it is essential to strengthen the ability of all levels of government to withstand such hazards, this was identified as the first goal. This includes reducing the vulnerabilities of families and individuals while also mitigating the risks to communities. DHS will work to enhance the preparedness of the country to respond to emergencies of all types. This involves strengthening the ability of agencies to respond quickly and effectively, and to recover quickly.

Courtesy​ ​of​ ​Pete​ ​Souza/White​ ​House.

Along with protecting the homeland, two other elements make up national security, according to the 2012 Plan, and these are national defense and economic security. In order to provide for these, DHS is involved with collecting customs revenue, maintaining the safety of maritime transportation, and conducting law enforcement activities, particularly related to preventing the exploitation of children. They also support national defense missions​ ​and​ ​support​ ​post-conflict​ ​reconstruction​ ​through​ ​the​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​State.

The final section of the 2012 report looks to the future and strengthening the Department of Homeland Security, with the goal of making it more effective in the future. The report indicates that, in order to reach this goal, DHS will, among other things, enhance the management functions, increase the department’s analytic capabilities, and strengthening their counterintelligence capabilities, enhance information sharing, and develop more international agreements. Other plans include strengthening the workforce with training, programs for employee​ ​health,​ ​and​ ​increased​ ​workforce​ ​diversity.

​ ​​Chapter​ ​Summary

Since 9-11 four plans have been developed by the federal government to coordinate the country’s preparedness for, and responses to, future terrorist threats and natural disasters. They each recognize the important role that local first-responders play in controlling the harm resulting from these incidents. The coordination of activities and the sharing of information, across agencies at all levels, is key to preventing and mitigating​ ​future​ ​events.​ ​These​ ​four​ ​plans​ ​address​ ​these​ ​issues​ ​in​ ​different​ ​ways.