Border Security Coursework (Coursework Sample)

Border Security
Name
Institution
Course
Date
Introduction
The department of Homeland Security is a security agency in the United States that serves to protect the American people from terrorist attacks and other relevant disasters as the case may be. It came as a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks that left more than 2,900 Americans losing their lives. In June 2002, President George W Bush bowed down to pressure from the opposition and allowed the formation of the agency (DHS, 2015). Since then, DHS has been at the forefront in preempting attacks. Although it may have had its challenges, it is quite notable that the department has properly managed border security. The department has well-laid out strategies in combating border insecurity issues as indicated on their website and other literature materials written in review of its performance.
Customs and Border Protection
This program is one that has provided more security to the trade and commerce affairs at the borders of the country. To create and implement its strategies, CPB uses sophisticated technology and at the same time also adequately trains its personnel for better results. The program works with other governments in the region and beyond to ensure that more national and economic security prevails (CBP, 2014). The results have been the efficient flow of goods and services, accurate collection of revenue, proper enforcement of trade laws and generally bringing value to the trade activities carried out thereat. CBP has ensured more security by increasing Border Patrol staffing. It has also erected infrastructure, fencing and the use of sophisticated technology that includes including radars, sensors, and aerial assets. There have also been investments to reform the ports of entry to a more modern outlook. CBP also fosters stronger partnerships treasures the act of information sharing, which has created a safer, more efficient and more secure border environment.
Collaborations with local and state law enforcement
The department of Homeland Security has established a working relationship with the local law enforcement agencies around the country’s borders. This collaboration entails, but is not limited to, establishing joint task forces, conducting of joint operations, sharing of intelligence and the coordination of operational priorities. At the same time, the department has also increased its funding to the state and local security agencies to help them combat the crimes committed along the borders. They spearheaded a program called Operation Stonegarden specifically to empower the agencies in this regard. Operation Stonegarden is a grant program that seeks to support both state and local law enforcement agencies in their bid to tackle security issues at the borders (McKenney, 2013). The apportionment of the grant funds depends on the risk that a border region poses in that, the more the risk, the more the funding entitled to the agencies.
Travelling initiatives
This program provides expedited clearance of travellers who have or pose a lower risk to the country. The program works in such a way that, there is the pre-approval of such persons before they enter the country. The program’s subscription has increased from 80,000 members in the Year 2003 to 1.3 million currently subscribed to NEXUS, SENTRI and Global Entry. This fact is evidence enough of the effectiveness of the program. Moreover, DHS and DOS have been working closely with other countries such as Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand to establish routine sharing of biometric data for immigration purposes (CBP, 2014).
The results of this initiative have been early detection of immigration fraud and apprehension of people travelling under false identities. By expanding the trusted traveler programs that it offers, DHS has enhanced its ability to accelerate and facilitate the known, trusted travelers who pose a lower risk with their arrival in the United States of America. This initiative has made it faster and simpler for many visitors and business people as they cross the USA border and at the same...