The Homeland Security Division

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is third largest Executive Department of the Federal Government charged with protecting the security of American homeland. Its primary mission is to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reducing vulnerability to terrorism and minimizing the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters. The DHS was created by President G.W. Bush in the aftermath of terrorist attacks on America in 2001. It is relatively new agency that continues to evolve in the 21st century. In my chosen topic I will perform research on the history and creation of Department of Homeland Security, identify 3 of the 22 agencies within the DHS and describe their responsibilities. The purpose of this paper is to define and give detailed information about Homeland Security in the United States. Exploration of this topic will enhance knowledge about DHS and help understand the responsibilities of the agencies.

When one thinks of security, they tend to think of being protected, free from harm or danger. There are various security threats that the world faces today. Threats could range from a series of cyber threats to terrorist attacks. We are incessantly encountered with catastrophic man-made and natural diseases. The Department of Homeland Security measures the nation 's vulnerabilities, meaning it takes initiative in leading and evaluating vulnerabilities and coordinating with other federal, state, local, and private entities to safeguard the most effective response. The creation of the country’s 15th Cabinet Department marked the largest reorganization of government since the Truman administration.

The United States has experienced threats against their borders, citizens and resources. After the terrorist attack of 9/11 some changes needed to be implemented to ensure the safety of America. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has the responsibility to protect the Country’s borders as well as to prepare for and respond to disasters and terrorist events. The Department of Defense has the military responsibility to protect the Country abroad. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense are America’s backbone to freedom.

The United States has developed a multitude of advancements to aid toward the prevention of another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. First and foremost, the United States government created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DHS was created in lieu of the 9/11 terrorist attack. There are sixteen different agencies combined to make up what is known today as the DHS including, just to name a few, the Federal Emergency Management Agency; United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); and The Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Each one has its role in keeping the U.S. a safer place.

After the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States and other developed countries changed their assumed view of the threat from terrorism. Massive amount of resources were mobilized in a very short time to counter the perceived and actual threat from terrorists and terrorist organizations. In the U.S., this change was pushed as a necessity for what was called "Homeland Security”. It went through the enactment of hundreds of statutes and regulations, substantial changes in policy initiatives, the most massive governmental reorganization since 1947, and brought the new business of homeland security to the face of American awareness. Soon after the terrorist attacks, Congress passed various new laws and enhanced some existing ones

In response to the devastating events that occurred on September 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was created. A new perspective that the tragic attack forced upon the government was that our borders started way beyond the water’s edge and to effectively combat national security threats, they had to be stopped prior to reaching our borders. That is one realization that has caused international governments to work together to help one another track and monitor travel and threat potential from individuals around the world. Another key perspective that the attack brought to the government was the need for interagency coordination. Why? Homeland Security is not cannot be tackled from solely and international perspective, government

After the terror attacks against New York City took place, the Bush administration created the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and with it the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2006). According to the DHS the U.S. Commission on National Security in the 21st Century defines homeland security as, “the protection of the territory, critical infrastructures, and citizens of the United States by Federal, State, and local government entities from the threat or use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, cyber, or conventional weapons by military or other means.” (2006, pg. 24). The five current primary missions of the DHS are preventing terrorism, securing borders, enforcing and administering immigration laws, securing cyberspace, and

Since the creation of the Homeland Security Act in 2002 after the 9/11, attack the department has come across challenges and criticism from the government and private sectors alone. Since the Homeland Security Act of 2002 it has been amended in carrying out the effects of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007. The activity report has shown it provides a strong well-rounded and strategic foundation of the highest priorities in which it ensures the department will invest and operate in a producing unified fashion to make decisions that will strengthen the department unity of effort. Moreover, the department will continue to give support to the five basic homeland security missions and continue to support missions set forth in the

Since DHS’s creation it has worked diligently to keep the United States safe from terrorist threats. The department has worked through various challenges coordinating all the agencies under its domain, reporting to congressional committees and working with the Public. One of the main challenges DHS faces in the balance between the need for national security and the need for individuals’ privacy. It is clear that DHS is doing their job, there have been no terrorist attacks on US soil since its creation. The levels of cooperation DHS has achieved with state and local agencies, and the private sector is astounding, which has created a true Homeland Security Enterprise. The men and women in these agencies who work hard and vigilant in keeping

Homeland Security is a major byproduct that evolved after 9/11. America’s Homeland Security’s goal is to guarantee that America is safe, guarded, and buoyant against terrorist attacks and other harmful acts. Their core goals include: “1.Prevent terrorism and enhancing security; 2. Secure and manage our borders; 3. Enforce and administer our immigration laws; 4. Safeguard and secure cyberspace; 5. Ensure resilience to disasters;”

To keep our great nation safe requires the combined effort of a multitude of agencies and groups nationwide. The US homeland is the physical region that includes the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, US territories, and surrounding 500 nautical miles of territorial waters and airspace (Joint Chiefs of Staff, 2013). The keep the countries boarders secure and over 324 million Americans safe is a massive task and this broad stroke program involves federal government including the military, federal, state, local, tribal areas and the private sector along with other governments with shared interests. According to The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) there are three key concepts that are the foundation of America’s homeland security strategy.

There is a raging debate on where exactly the homeland security should be placed in the US structure, and whether it should be under the Department of Defense, the criminal justice, or it should be a joint effort of every American citizen. To answer this question, it is important to consider the scope of the activities carried out under homeland security.

The purpose of this paper is to define and give as much detail information about Homeland Security in the United States and law enforcement and how they are integrated. I hope after reading this paper you will be well informed on the duties and responsibilities of these agencies. People have always lived in fear but with the help of these agencies we will no longer have to live in fear. I will try to give as much detail information as possible to help with any problems or situation that might come up. Homeland Security in the United States and law enforcement have extensive research skills and knowledge in serving and protecting citizens and other important groups and agencies. Homeland

The Strategic Objectives stated by the Department of Homeland Security include the following strategic objectives:

Homeland security is a push to forestall, moderate, react, and recuperate from normal and man-made calamities, including terrorist attacks. “Without a homeland security concept, policymakers and others with homeland security duties may not effectively facilitate exercises well or spotlight on the most vital exercises” (Oliver, Marion, & Hill, 2015, p. 27). Coordination might be troublesome if these elements do not work with a similar understanding or set of properties. The possibility of homeland security was basically the aftereffect of the White House, the central government, and the U. S. Congress’ responses to September 11 occasions. Be that as it may, the development to set up such wide clearing measures was started some time before those