Free Essay

Homeland Security

In:

Submitted By ranger11
Words 786
Pages 4
Homeland Security
Homeland Security is a term that is used to refer to the collective body of forces in the United States that is used to fight the war against terrorism (Dale and Austen). The body was set up to help reduces the vulnerability of the United States through ensuring the boarders are not porous to allow terrorists for example and thorough investigations being carried out on suspects. After the 9/11 attacks, the government felt there was a need to guarantee the citizens of the United States was secure within their borders. That is the purpose of the association of over 180 departments on various agencies but united on the same course (Gulliani). This was a critical first step towards waging the war on terrorism.
Previous terror attacks on the United States have had a common characteristic, which was previously assumed. The terrorists sneak up into the United States and launch the attack from inside. It becomes so dangerous and catastrophic as well as it is against the expectation of major police forces and agencies that anyone would want to bomb their country. If anything, the high level of patriotism among the populace of the United States have been blinding us from seeing what happens in reality. The case is so sad that every stranger is regarded to in a friendly manner. Unsuspecting the person seated adjacent to you in a coffee shop despite there being evident peculiar behavior.
The Homeland security, monitors closely all the entry points into the United States as it has been noticed that most terrorist first arrive into the country from foreign nations with the intention of harming citizens in the United States. Through heightened security checks at the airports and border points, the police especially the Homeland Security team monitors the surveillance (Reese). Any suspects who seem to have ill intentions undergo strict interrogations before being allowed access into the United States. Thus far, the team has managed to arrest a number of criminals who are linked to terrorist activities. A number of illegal immigrants also have been curtailed from entering the sovereign region.
Because of the information flow from Homeland Security to other agencies and the excessive coordination, the rate of terror threats in the United States has gone down significantly. Loopholes that the criminals used are now much harder to go by, now that a main focus has been on the major training that has taking place thus far. The outcome of their dedication is the peace that the citizens can enjoy. Through the peace, the country is capable of forging ahead on other fronts. Homeland Security is one of the most organized anti-terror agency in the world. The grounds for Homeland Security are simply that their level of skills attained by these individuals is second to none, and is almost equivalent to those that are held by the marine seals. In combat, one agent is capable of fighting two middle weighted individuals with other factors held constant. Furthermore, the level of technology of the equipment used is among the top in the world, and forever improving on a daily basis. Their ammunition is effective and far more accurate than that of the regular police (Chertoff).
The new field of homeland security is challenging, continually changes and will always be needed in some capacity to continue to keep our borders safe. Indeed, this agency is armed to face the terrorists in war. Their devotion for the protection of the country is just amazing. The agents are ready to sacrifice blood for the peace of the nation, to say the least. Nevertheless, it is fair to say that we acknowledge their presence and appreciate the vital role they play towards the peace that we enjoy.

Works Cited
Chertoff, Michael. "Homeland Security." Assessing the First 5 Years [Philadelphia] 2011: n. pag. Proquest. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
Christopher, Bellavita. Changing Homeland Security: In 2010, Was Homeland Security Useful. Homeland Security Affairs. EBSCO, 2011. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
Gulliani, Rudy. The Resillient Society (2008): 1. Pro Quest. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
Jones, Dale, and Austen Givens. "Public Administration." The Central Discipline in Homeland Security in the Future of Public Administration Around the World. N.p., 2010. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
Kemp, Roger L. "Homeland Security in the USA: Past, Present, and Future." Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning Summer 6.1 (2012): 25-31. EBSCO. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
Kiltz, Linda. "The Challenges of Developing a Homeland Security Discipline to Meet Future Threats to the Homeland." Journal of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 8.2 (2011): 1-20-22. EBSCO. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.
"What Is Homeland Security." What Is Homeland Security (2013): 1-5. EBSCO. Web. 21 Apr. 2014.

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Homeland Security

...States much until September 11, 2001 the date of the attack from terrorist organizations on the world trade centers’ New York towers in New York City. The United States of America has not worried much about self-defense or in this case homeland security. Due to the actions on September 11th homeland security has been the main goal of many politicians and voters. Homeland security builds coalitions and partnerships, protects civil rights and civil liberties, and develops human capital. History The foundations and principles of homeland security are rooted deeply in American history. The preamble of the Constitution, as written by Governor Morris (1776), references the need to “insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense”, which are basic tenets of homeland security. Prior to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2002, the vehicle used to insure this tranquility and common defense was the U.S. military. Three factors have significantly contributed to the development of this field: Executive Orders, legislation enacted in the wake of 9/11, and bringing the mission of ensuring domestic safety of United States personnel and assets under the aegis of one unified agency: the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Executive Orders have long been a method for a President to de facto create law or further define the powers of the Executive branch. The first Presidential proclamation issued in response to domestic unrest was the suspension of the...

Words: 1077 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Homeland Security

...Lee A. Browne 7/19/14 CJUS 254: Introduction to Homeland Security Phase 2: Mission and Organization of the Department Of Homeland Security Doctor Curry Dear Director, I am pleased that you would like more information on the Department of Homeland Security. I hope that the information that I will supply you with will be to your liking. Preventing terrorism and enhancing security. Many agencies help protect the United States. Each one has a special part in preventing terrorism and enhancing security. Here are a few that help with this. 1) TSA (Transportation Security Administration). They provide screening of our airlines and the people who use them. They have an important role in finding any terrorist activity aboard the airlines. If they detect such an incident, they have protocols for these incidents. A) Secure the facility B) Contact the tower to ground all airlines C) If there is an air-marshal they will notify them, law enforcement and fire crew Their main concern is for the safety of the people aboard the plane. They scan all suitcases, luggage, packages, and any other item that a bomb or other illegal device can be in. A) The bomb squad is called in along with law enforcement B) Secure the terminal C) Evacuate the terminal and planes 2) Immigration, customs, and border protection. Our law enforcement have an important job. They protect the citizens that are coming into the U.S. and the citizens that are already in the...

Words: 564 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Homeland Security

...HOMELAND SECURITY SHERYL D SEABROOK STRAYER UNIVERSITY PROF. MARLENE ARMSTRONG March 4, 2012 The Department of Homeland Security has a mission to secure the nation from many threats that we in America and to keep us safe. This department was created because of the terrorist attack on America on September 11th, this department devoted itself to keeping the US safe from natural and man created disasters. They have been task in the following activities: domestic nuclear detection, intelligence coordination, and protection of high-level government officials. The department’s structure includes agencies for citizenship and immigration services, customs and border protection, emergency response and recovery (FEMA), and science and technology research. The US Department of Homeland Security has more than 230,000 employees and an annual budget of more than $55 billion (Chertoff & Barkun, 2011). Thousands of travels who try to check in at some of the busiest airports in the U.S will find themselves in faster lanes. PreCheck is an expedited screening process that The Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration created if the travelers volunteer information about themselves prior to flying (Barrnett, 2012). This process will allow the TSA employees to focus on travelers they have less information about that may propose a risk. The information that will need to be provided will need to qualify for expedited security screening, if they...

Words: 475 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Homeland Security Act

...attacks the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was developed. "The primary mission of the Homeland Security Act is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States; reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that do occur within the United States."1 Inside the Homeland Security Act it states the secretary of Homeland Security now has the authority and the power to direct and control investigations of terrorism and how to prevent terrorism. In 2002 the Homeland Security Act was created along with the US Department of Homeland Security. Many organizations made up this US Department of Homeland Security such as the US Coast Guard, the US Secret Service, and the Transportation Security Administration. The Department was given billions of dollars and approximately 180,000 new federal employees. The US Department of Homeland Security has a very similar mission as the Homeland Security Act. "The mission is to ensure the safety and security of the United States from terrorist attacks and other disasters."2 The main purpose is to help prevent terrorism; the US Department of Homeland Security created the National Threat Advisory system. The was this system works is it is color coded. Green=low threat to Red=severe threat. This color coded system was put into place to help lower the impact on future terrorist attacks. Another responsibility of the US Department of Homeland Security is natural...

Words: 1214 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Homeland Security Threats

...In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, it was clear that the provisional security regime for defending against internal terrorist threats was not equal to the new challenges. This new focus on homeland security will have a secondary effect on the efforts of the United States to deal effectively with a range of soft security threats in that it will increase attention to those concerns, particularly as they are seen as enablers of terrorism. The establishment of the Department of Homeland Security is the largest reorganization of the United States government in over 50 years, and will necessitate a reordering of the inter-departmental relationships on security matters as well as those critical to soft security...

Words: 349 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Department of Homeland Security

...States Secret Service? The United States secret service is a federal law enforcement agency in one of the department of homeland security.(1) The United States secret service is one of the oldest departments in homeland security. The secret service was formed 150 years ago back in the 1865. The secret service division and the primary mission and responsibilities was to protect the us government from fraud and abuse for us the government money the wrong for as gambling it over money laundry things of that nature (2). Over the course of the years from 1865 to 1867 the secret service division moved from Washington D.C back to New York back to Washington D.C reason being because the division needs stability and a city to put their headquarters. (1)After the assassination of President Williams McKinley in 1901 that’s when the division of secret service changed to The United States Secret Service, with that event happening it changed the primary mission of the secret service to protect our President of The United States then everything thing else but the President First. Today the United States (4) Secret Service has over 6,750 employees and annual budget of 1.8 billion dollars which is subject to change during each fiscal year. (4) The United States service also has over 4,400 sworn members and two parent agencies the first one is the U.S Department of Homeland Security and the second one is U.S Department of the Treasury. United States secret service is one that really stood out to me...

Words: 1169 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Department of Homeland Security

...intelligence operations, hostage and sensitive material recovery and direct actions. There are certain units in the US military that are mainly tasked with counter-terrorism. There are also numerous departments within the US government that are tasked with counterterrorism as one of their primary missions, such as the CIA, FBI, DIA and DHS. Department of Homeland Security is one of the newer departments established in the US government. Tom Ridge, the Pennsylvania Governor at the time, was appointed as the first Director for this department about eleven days after the 9/11 attack. The Department of Homeland Security was fully acknowledged, established and operational by March 1, 20013. It is headed by the Secretary of Homeland Security, who is appointed by the President of the United States. The department specializes in protecting American citizens here on homeland and abroad. Its primary responsibilities include: Immigration, cyber securities, responding to natural disasters and now counter-terrorism. The DHS is also accountable for securing nation’s border and transportation securities, managing who and what enters the homeland. They are responsible to administer immigration laws and legal employment so that the United...

Words: 376 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Homeland Security

...The Department of Homeland Security has an imperative mission to secure the country from the numerous dangers it confronts. More than 240,000 workers commit in the service ranging from aeronautics and security to crisis reaction and from cybersecurity examiner office investigator. The obligations the department faces are ever growing daily, but the strength with which it pushes itself guarantees a safer free country for its citizens, immigrants and refugees. The chances DHS faces close down are very high. The income for office has been tied up in debate with congress over the immigration bill. Republicans want the congress to pass a bill that would finance DHS. The problem occurred when President Obama arranged a favorable act for the undocumented workers to reside in the country legally. On the other hand the democrats want a clean bill in the same issue. In the event of this department not receiving the clearance for their funds, it would be hard for Homeland security to work in its comfort zone. Homeland security takes care of all the legal issues that the undocumented workers are about to get through. But this has been a high debated issue by the democrats. The foundation after the 2014 midterm race, Obama reported he would permit undocumented migrants to apply to have their expulsions postponed for a long time in the event that they were the folks of kids living in the nation lawfully. The declaration irritated Republicans in Congress. They have declined to augment...

Words: 696 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Homeland Security Research Paper

...Homeland security is often something taken for granted by United States citizens and policy makers. Many felt that the United States was inherently immune to acts of terrorism until the tragic events that occurred on 9/11. Though time has elapsed since then, the impact of terrorism on the nation must not be forgotten. The importance of Homeland Security must continually be emphasized in order to make it a top priority for governing officials and citizens of the United States for the safety of its citizens and the ability to thrive as a nation. Now, more than ever, United States policy makers play a drastic role in Homeland Security. The threat of various WMD proliferation is growing exponentially with the numerous technological advancement...

Words: 1850 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Homeland Security Committee

...Homeland Security Committee (House of Representatives) Who are the Members? Congressman Peter King is serving his tenth term in the U.S. House of Representatives and is the chairman of the Homeland Security committee a position he has held for 6 years. King has been a leader in the ongoing effort to have Homeland Security funding based on threat analysis and is a strong supporter of the war against international terrorism, both at home and abroad. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee he brought about vital legislation regarding port security and chemical plant security. He has led the effort to restore funding to the Secure the Cities Program to protect the New York-Long Island region from nuclear dirty bomb attacks. What Sub Committees Border and Maritime Security- Chaired by Candice Miller Counter terrorism and Intelligence- Chaired by Patrick Meehan Cyber security, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies- Chaired by Daniel Lungren Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications- Chaired by Gus Bilirakis Oversight, Investigations, and Management- Chaired by Michael McCaul Transportation Security- Chaired by Mike Rogers There Jurisdiction The Committee on Homeland Security was established in 2002 to provide Congressional oversight for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and better protect the American people against a possible terrorist attack. The Committee is chartered to hold hearings and craft legislation...

Words: 764 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Homeland Security Act of 2002

...The Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Department of Homeland Security Benjamin K. Hickman Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ABSTRACT This paper explores The Homeland Security Act of 2002 and its effect on the security landscape of the United States of America. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 created a new cabinet level department within the executive branch that would be called The Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Since its inception, the Department of Homeland Security has absorbed numerous agencies that had previously fallen under other departments for their importance in performing national security functions. Some of the agencies absorbed by DHS perform minor peripheral national security functions. Others, however, are very well-known agencies that stand on the front lines of American national security, like the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Secret Service, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). In this paper, we will examine some of these departments and discuss their roles in national security. Additionally, we will analyze the DHS in the context of successful and unsuccessful national security operations since the Homeland Security Act of 2002 was passed. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Department of Homeland Security Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the US Congress determined the need for a new department within the U.S. government. This department would...

Words: 1390 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Department of Homeland Security

...The Cyberwire Ahmed Pasha Mohammad Wilmington University Incident Handling Response: 6060 The Cyberwire The latest threat happened in 2015 is the cyberwire threat which is held on 4th November 2015, as police officers warn of potential attacks. This is the present issue which was placed from SINET showcase. According to reports of the cyberwire. Their breaking news was that the SINET Showcase opened yesterday with evening workshops on matters of enthusiasm to cyber security of new companies and their clients. We had the capacity go to some of those sessions, and have arranged a summary. We're keeping on giving live scope of this occasion today, including the presentations of the SINET 16. Tomorrow's issue will highlight a full report of today's sessions. The regular Summary can be given as THE CYBERWIRE 4th November 2015. The anti-ISIS hacktivists of GhostSec talk to the Irari Report about the soi-disant caliphate's operations in cyberspace. Of interest are ISIS's efforts to evade disruption but not so much detection, since so much of their operations are directed to recruiting and developing mindshare among the disaffected. Because these involve hiding in plain sight as opposed to using technically sophisticated cloaking. When bulletin ruptured, quickly fixed by the organization, stirs reasons for alarm of a broader zero-day campaign. An examination of the Page Fair hack proceeds. Threat post clarifies how the administration was misused to serve as the vector for fake...

Words: 414 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

...U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chris Cabral National American University Abstract The primary mission of the Homeland Security Act is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism, and minimize damage and assist in recovery for terrorist attacks that occur in the United States. The U.S Department of Homeland Security was established after the 9/11 attacks to counter terrorist activities against the United States. Homeland security is officially defined by the National Strategy for Homeland Security as "a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do occur”. The major objective of the Patriot Act is “to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools" by dramatically reducing restrictions pertaining to law enforcement requests to search telephone records, e-mail communication, and health records. The Patriot Act allows for the emergency disclosure of electronic communications to protect life and broadens the definition of terrorism to include acts of domestic terrorism. Under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the Patriot Act allows the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation or a designee of the director to apply for an order requiring the "production of any tangible things (including...

Words: 3497 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Homeland Security

... and initiatives that help enhance our homeland security. Likewise, I have also learned about their limitations, which makes us vulnerable to many threats. Unfortunately, we must accept the fact that in a free society such as ours, there will always be a degree of risk. There are many threats or hazards that the government or the whole community cannot fully prevent for various reasons. Some threats or hazards are unpredictable and not well understood yet, while there are other threats that can be preventable, but they cannot be fully prevented because counter strategies could be in conflict with the flow of commerce or the civil liberties of U.S. citizens. One of the strengths that I have discovered about homeland security is the significant improvement in transportation security. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, we have not experienced another terrorist attack of a similar magnitude. Terrorist organizations are well aware that at least here in the United States, security has improved significantly across the different modes of transport and perhaps that is why they are not trying to plan another 9/11 style attack anymore. Another strength that I...

Words: 533 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Homeland Security Research Design

...Homeland Security Research Design Chris Hix HSM421: Research & Analysis in Homeland Security Professor:  Kenneth Jenkins March 7, 2016 Homeland Security Research Design The United States has invested heavily in maintaining cyber security and border security in the homeland. Federal, State, and Local level initiatives have been implemented to escalate enforcement undertakings in communities across the country. These efforts are geared towards thwarting illegal border crossings and unlawful presence and occur in tandem with workplace enforcement to prevent illegal employment. However, these measures are not level with the excessive’ focus on terrorist threats displayed by agencies tasked with ensuring homeland security. The system is correctly focused on the terrorist threat posed by radical groups that are miles away while exhibiting complacency to more immediate threats. For instance, hackings, illegal immigration, human, and substance trafficking do more damage in a year than the combined damage of all terrorist activities to ever occur on American soil. Consequently, if the system is to achieve its mandate of ensuring Homeland Security, its main focus should be on immediate threats, of which cyber and border security are of most concern. The continued focus on terrorism as the central threat to homeland security necessitates an examination of the key factors that influence decision-making regarding homeland security. Hypotheses Getting the priorities right...

Words: 2565 - Pages: 11