Risk Assessment : A New Standard Of Security For The Homeland Security

After the terrorist attack September 11, 2001, the United States government increased their investments in security. Many innocent lives were lost because of that incident, which worried the United States of America about self-defense or Homeland Security. Homeland Security was signed to become a law by the President George W. Bush in November 2002. Their main priority was to secure the country from the threats such as international terrorism. The Department of Homeland security had to focus on five goals such as prevent terrorism, enhance security, secure the borders, enforce immigration laws, safeguard, and cyberspace. In order to achieve these goals a lot of work was needed.

The Department of Homeland Security was created in the aftermath of one of our nation's greatest tragedies: the events of September 11, 2001 (Newman, 2002). Almost immediately the Department began overseeing 22 federal agencies that pre-existed 9/11. The rationale for this transformation was to improve the coordination of the federal government's various security efforts both internally and externally in an effort to forestall any future terrorist threats. What has occurred, however, is a Cabinet Department that is highly bureaucratic with too many divergent responsibilities. Its effectiveness is questionable and serious consideration should be given to the abolition of the Department and its agencies reassigned to other Departments.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security was formed more than a decade ago with a very significant mission of safeguarding America's homeland from hazards, threats, and national disasters. This department conducts its mission through securing the country's borders, preventing terror attacks, and responding to incidents or threats to its citizens (Miller, n.d.). Generally, the most important roles of the Department of Homeland Security are to lead a concerted national effort in securing the United States and preserving the American way of life. The department was established in 2002 in reaction to the 9/11 terror attacks and has since developed a nationwide strategic plan for evaluating and updating its mission statement and effectiveness of operations. These plans can be updated and transformed to accomplish the needs of the Department for Homeland Security and the American people.

The creation of the Department of Homeland Security was a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. “The establishment of this organization provided this nation with a real opportunity for making vast improvements within our communities social and economic infrastructures to combat all threats, mainly terrorism” as stated by Bullock, (2013, P. 1). The 9/11 attacks exposed a

On September 11, 2001, terrorists initiated multiple attacks on America that took the lives of nearly three thousand innocent people. It was a day of destruction and horror that will be branded in the minds of many for a long time. The tragedies on 9/11 could have been avoided if airport security in the United States had been stricter. A strong foundation for Homeland Security is essential in protecting America from further attacks. In the essay

Prior to 9/11 the security of the United States was “across more than 40 federal agencies and an estimated 2,000 separate Congressional appropriations accounts”. (DHS History Office ,2017, p.4). This was a huge issue when it came to sharing intelligence. This was perhaps one of the many reasons that the terrorist of 9/11 were so successful. Shortly after 9/11, the United States found its self in need of an all-encompassing organization that shared information under one roof that enabled better protection of its infrastructure and its people at home, not just abroad. Shortly over a year later, in November 2002, Congress passed the “Homeland Security Act” (DHS.gov, 2017, para.2). With the creation of homeland security came conflict

The shocking tragedy on September 11, 2001 altered the course of American national security. Prior to the 9/11 attacks, homeland security was rarely debated as a hot topic, even within the small circle of policy elites (Kamarck, 2013, p. 34). The only prior homeland attack on America was Pearl Harbor and this was not on U.S. mainland. Many Americans were shocked that such a tragedy could occur on American soil and they are still shocked to this day. People are still recovering from this tragic event. The government knew that the country’s enemies still posed an enormous threat to the nation’s security. In response to the events that took place on 9/11, the United States Congress passed the USA/Patriot Act, which intensified the surveillance powers held by the federal government through the National Security Agency (NSA) and other federal agencies. This act increased national airport security procedures, metro security in most major U.S. cities, and extended the government’s capacity to spy on citizens.

Perl, R. (2017). The Department of Homeland Security: Background and Challenges. Retrieved from The National Academies Press: https://www.nap.edu/read/10968/chapter/24. The issue of the creation and impact of homeland security laws and presidential directives and executive orders was bringing up the concern of the attacks in 2001. The president acted quickly to put in place and believed would address security issue on the home front.

The attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11 was the worst terrorist attack in U. S. history. Prior to 9/11, the U.S. had dealt with intermittent attacks on American soil with limited experience on emergency preparedness. Since 9/11, Homeland security was formed within the next year with a goal to safeguard the country against future terrorist attacks. The United States was faced with additional challenges other than just providing a response plan to terrorist attacks. There has been a debate if the United States is better prepared or is in the same position as before the 9/11 attack.

Resulting from the attacks September 11 government activity has expanded. This includes new agencies/organizations, legislations, bills, and etc. Contained in the article “9/11 to now: Ways we have changed” by Jason Villemez, more than 130 pieces of legislation related to 9/11 have been introduced into Congress one year after the attacks and 48 bills have been passed into law (Villemez). All of these legislations and bills were related directly to the terrorism experienced on American soil. Within these papers multiple acts were formed including the following: Aviation and Transportation Security Act, Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act, and many others. Following different acts came new organization and agencies to oversee the nation’s security. According to the Washington Post, 263 organizations have been created or reorganized as a response to 9/11 (Priest, Arkin). There are hundreds of other organizations that do work related to counter-terrorism, security, and intelligence. The Department of Homeland Security is one of the big organizations created in response to the attacks. The Department of Homeland Security is to oversee and protect the country against terrorism and respond to future attacks or threats (Creation of the Department of Homeland Security). All government activity has been an accomplishment since 9/11 and used for the people of the United

The U.S. Government Accountability Office’s website www.gao.gov contains an abundance of information in regards to the 21st century security challenges for Homeland Security that have been identified by the GAO. This source is updated daily and holds itself accountable for any and all information it produces.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, have greatly changed security policies in the United States. September 11, 2001, is an infamous day that has changed the United States in numerous aspects. After this infamous day, many people live with the fear of experiencing another major attack. After the attacks the national Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, also known as the 9/11 Commission, was created. One task given to the 9/11 Commission was to provide recommendations designed to prevent future attacks. In order to prevent another attack the power of security in the United States was increased. The effects of this increase in security can be seen when going through airport, going to a ball game, or even just

“We have learned as a Nation that we must maintain a constant, capable, and vigilant posture to protect ourselves against new threats and evolving hazards. But we have also learned that vigilance and protection are not ends in and of themselves, but rather necessary tools in the service of our national purpose.”(Napolitano, 2010, p.iv) In the wake of the September 11th, 2001 attacks our nation has taken upon itself extreme vigilance to ensure the security and defense of the American people. The relationship between homeland security and homeland defense is one that is tightly knit. Each has a very distinct mission set but somewhere along the spectrum they cross over and mutually support each other in the best interest of the nation.

September 11, 2001 marked the most horrific day in history for United States of America. The events of this day changed the lives of those residing in America forever. United States was considered somewhat safe, in regards to terrorists’ attacks. However, this all came to a screeching halt when 19 militants known to be a part of the Al-Qaeda terrorist group hijacked four planes for the purpose of destroying targeted areas in the United States. As a result of the deadly attack on the United States, security measures drastically changed. Although, security measures throughout the United States have been in place, extreme caution came into effect. All departments looked at different measures to improve preventing terrorists’ attacks.

The 9/11 incident crippled the American economy and its impact is still felt at present times. Following this tragedy, a commission was initiated by President George W. Bush and the congress to investigate the reasons behind the bombing and provide recommendations to help avert such occurrences in the future. Therefore, this paper discusses the impact of making the US border more secure, the rationale behind replacing the "need to know" with the "need to share". Moreover, the paper highlights the DOD's role the role in border and coastal security, its relationship with the Department of Homeland Security and how DOD supports civil authorities.