Critique the Capability of the Homeland Security System (Essay Sample)

A critical evaluation of the capability of the US homeland security system on its ability to forecast and deal with emergent future challenges
The 9/11 attacks in the United States led to the establishment of the United States homeland security department (DHS). This is a special security agency tasked with the sole responsibility of shielding the nation from domestic and foreign terrorism and any other security threats that may pose danger to the nation and the citizens. Since the formation and its inception, it has attained most of its set goals and objectives in trying to implement security operations. Additionally, the unit has achieved many goals and critical milestones as part of its obligations. Recent improvements in the DHS management and the coordination efforts among its stakeholders have gone a long way in shaping the performance and position of the special unit. This body has demonstrated positive potential and commitment to strong leadership allowing for the establishment of essential structures focused towards management of leadership challenges and management functions. This paper analysis the different aspects and operational milestones achieved and setbacks which have served in lowering the agency’s functionality.[Hutton, John, and United States. Government Accountability Office. Homeland security : DHS requires more disciplined investment management to help meet mission needs : report to congressional requesters. Washington, D.C: U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, 2012.]
The unit has been able to create and implement National Preparedness Guidelines. These are a set of clearly outlined guidelines and indicators that point towards the national disaster readiness and hazard preparedness. This acts as a nationwide framework for the capacity based preparedness that clearly defines the different risks and the aversion means as well as management techniques. As a result, the guidelines have also led to the development of the essential framework for national disaster recovery. With these tools, the unit is now able to assess and evaluate different risks posed by a myriad of factors such as biological causes, radiological aspects chemical aspects among others. The creation of these features indicates the success in capacity building which over years has been a critical aspect in dealing with terrorism and other security threats.
In addition, DHS has been able to successfully develop the US-immigrant and visitor status technology program. This is a program that verifies the identity of all visitors who enter and exit the country by processing their biometric and biological information. The efforts to build and maintain a timely database is a significant step towards maintaining homeland security by use of technology. However, the program has been faced by many challenges which counteract the effectiveness of the system. This has undermined the purpose and goals of the technology. Issues of schedule delays and performance related problems have jeopardizes the information technology program.
Furthermore, other than promoting leadership, the domestic homeland security department has made significant steps in the provision of high needed coordination among the stakeholders. On the technological front, the agency has been able to also create the secure flight to maintain a secure and safe travel for airlines. This is a screening program for those airlines and passengers that are suspected of terrorism activities. Similarly, there is a set of other technologies and means that have been created to screen air cargo and passengers. Basically, this is a useful tool in ensuring safe air travel. However, the unit is yet to develop an effective and a fully reliable deployment screening program. The unit also lacks the approved technology that can be used to screen cargo once it is loaded into a pallet/container. This is a major setback that undermines the security system.[O'Hanlon, Michael. "Protecting the American homeland." The Brookings Review 20, 2002: 13.] [3 Caudle, Sharon. "Homeland security: Approaches to results management." Public Performance & Management Review, 2005: 352-375.]
Until now, the department has not succeeded in implementing an operational biometric exit program nor addresses issues of overstay in the country. While the entity has effectively established the necessary infrastructure in ensuring border security at all the entry points as well as an extension of over 600 miles in fencing, there is need to improve on the efforts in assessment ad evaluation of efforts placed in hazard recovery and readiness. Furthermore, there is need to create structures which it should use in aligning itself to accurate timing and involvement with the governments, local and national, capacity.[Caudle, Sharon. "Homeland security: Approaches to results management." Public Performance & Management Review, 2005: 352-375.]
Moreover, there is need for the improvement on the potency in the overall application process through the mitigation of duplication and redundancy within the different practices and processes of the grant programs. The unit needs to take a step in forging reliable and effective partnerships and collaborations alongside the ultimate strengthening of information sharing and utilization. These aspects have negatively derailed the operations of the unit thereby leading to massive dissatisfaction and lowered capacity.
Basically, from the structure, operations and composition, it is perceptible that this unit has been marred by excessive waste thanks to bureaucracy, lack of transparency as well as by its partners. The large number of personnel, many security contracts, fraud, corruption and the continued credit card misuse all serve as major sources of the wastefulness. As a result, a lot of resources have been lost in the process crippling the move towards attainment of the set objectives. Unwanted cost increases, schedule delays and performance-related problems point towards the failures of the institution. On the same platform, DHS has faced other challenges in the deployment of technologies which need specific requirements. This may be defined by the lack of relevant expertise in undertaking its missions in different areas by some of its employees.
There is need for more efforts and focus towards the agency goals by strengthening the work relations and partners. For instance, the department should partner with human s...