Homeland security has become a large concern of many US citizens ever since the tragic 9/11 act of terrorism. Given the endless possibilities of threats to the US soil, the concept of homeland security aims to secure the homeland and its borders against terrorism acts and disasters that might happen in the future. Eleven days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania was sworn as the first director of the then called “Office of Homeland Security”. This office organized the formulation of national strategy that can help in safeguarding the country against future acts of terrorism. Upon the passage of the Homeland Security Act in 2002, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was formally launched as a cabinet-level department. The DHS was created by integration of 22 different federal departments which aims in strengthening the homeland security against different threats across the US borders. Upon the establishment of the DHS, several modifications aiming for a better service was made with the help of Secretary Michael Chertoff along with the department members, actions teams, and public and private partners across different levels. As a result of the modification, reorganization among offices was done in the department (Department of Homeland Security, 2015).
The establishment of homeland security was immediately organized without questioning or comprehensive debates from the members of the US congress, senate and the public as well. Since 9/11, the DHS has been working in creating a homeland security enterprise that can mitigate threats and can help in minimizing risks and maximizing the ability of the country in fighting against terrorist acts and harmful disasters. As part of their mission in protecting the US against imminent threats, DHS has been working directly with international partners, the private sector, leaders of the state and local government, law enforcement, and specialized organizations (Global Newswire, 2011). Members of the DHS such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other intelligence communities have been turning better intelligence outputs as compared before the establishment of homeland security. The Department of Justice as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation has lead investigations of imminent terrorist and their acts. State and local law implementation were provided tools in combating threats within their communities, as supplied by the DHS. With advancement in the technology, working with private sectors has become easier, thus, facilitating a more effective communication and information sharing along with private organizations. Moreover, introduction of cloud computing and mobility has helped the DHS in improving and providing new ways in delivering of information technology within the government.
Ever since the establishment of homeland security on US soil, international efforts and public engagement played important roles in strengthening the security measures. Currently, homeland security is continuously evolving and adapting to new technologies that are useful for information sharing. Furthermore, homeland security is also adapting with the moral philosophies of imminent threat in order to learn on how to mitigate them.
References
Global Newswire. (2011). “The Evolution of Homeland Security.” Retrieved from http://globenewswire.com/news-release/2011/09/09/455945/231857/en/The-Evolution-of-Homeland-Security.html
