Introduction to Homeland Security (Essay Sample)

Introduction to Homeland Security
Charles Munene
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
13/4/2015
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security(DHS) established in response to the September 11 terror attacks in USA.President George W Bush initiated it as a cabinet department. Tasked with the responsibility of protecting civilians from terrorists and natural calamities.The initiation of the unit was achieved through the enactment of Key U.S laws.The laws include Homeland Security Act, Homeland Security appropriation act and The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act. The document briefly describes these rules and outlines their contribution to the National Homeland Security Strategy(NHSS).
Keywords: Homeland security department, U.S laws, Terror attacks, National Homeland Security strategy,
Introduction to the Department of Homeland Security
The homeland security act was signed into law in 2002 by President George W Bush. The act led to the establishment of the DHS as an executive department of the United States. According to the law, DHS was bestowed the onus of preventing terrorist attacks on USA. The unit tasked with the overall protection of the economic security of the United States, among other key responsibilities.
Implementation of this act led to the creation of the position of the secretary general in the DHS. The secretary general was an appointee of the President.He is the head of the department and supposed to exercise control and authority over it. The secretary general deputized by a Special Assistant to the Secretary General. The act split the DHS into various agencies. The agencies were at times not involved directly in the security of the nation. It was the responsibility of the DHS to ensure the survival of this agencies.
The homeland security appropriation act enabled financing of the department in every fiscal year. This law allocated funds to the different units within the DHS. These funds were meant to facilitate the smooth running of its operations. The funds were for use to departmental management and operations cost. The Act also allocated funds for technological improvement and advancement in technology. This aimed at equipping the Homeland Department in combating terrorism.
The intelligence reform and terrorism prevention act was passed with the intention of preventing further attacks on the United States. The bill sought unification of intelligence and law enforcement in the U.S. This act proposed advancement in technology of the border security. It suggested incorporation of air patrol and the border officials. Thus, help curb the menace of illegal immigrants as well as prevent drug trafficking. It proposed a penalty of ten years for people harboring immigrants in the U.S.A.
It would require a visa for people intending to visit the U.S.A.People suspected of having undergone military training conducted by the terrorist would also be deported. Reports of deportation would remain classified.
The enacted laws that contributed to the establishment of the Homeland Security Department are related to the homeland security presidential directives (HSPDS). In the case of this core, acts are related to; Management of domestic incidents, National preparedness, critical infrastructure. An interlink of the laws and the HSPDs detailed.
Management of domestic incidents, calls for the formation of National incident management system integration Center. This is in accordance with section 502 of the Homeland Security Act. In addition, this integration center would require funding.The NIMS would have many responsibilities, for instances, coordinating technological advancement in the emergency response unit.Therefore, serving as an aid to the achievement of sophistication required by intelligence reform and terrorism act.
Identification of critical infrastructure is a primary presidential directive that would ensure its protection. Therefore, the instruction is related to the hom...