A review of the inefficiency of the executive branch of the federal government in running the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and how Congress is attempting to rectify the situation.
Abstract The paper discusses the security of the United States against terrorism and questions how safe Americans feel when it comes to the sanctity and security of their homeland. The paper comments that the former question is difficult to answer precisely, but given the Congressional and government reports that point out the flaws and failures of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it would seem the U.S. is not as secure as it should be. The latter question is discussed at the conclusion of this paper. The point of this paper is that the executive branch of the federal government has not done an adequate job of running the DHS, and Congress is now doing what it should have been doing all along - fiscal and management oversight. The focus of this paper is on the science and technology division of the DHS.
From the Paper "As to the specific DHS area of concern for this paper, Science & Technology, the congressional report card sets the stage for the 2007 report by reviewing the S&T's poor condition that existed in 2006. The report card quotes from a Washington Post article (Hsu Aug. 20, 2006) that the S&T was "hobbled by poor leadership, weak financial management and inadequate technology" (Hsu 2006). Given the vital importance to America's security, the first paragraph in the S&T section outlines needs to be addressed, including the "systemic deficiencies in financial and accounting controls" along with the "poor response to the needs of customers." In general, the 2007 said that historically the problems with DHS's S&T department are many and Congress and the public have "lost confidence in the ability of the S&T Directorate to fulfill its statutory responsibilities."
Abstract The paper explores the assertions that President Bush has injected other agendas into the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. The paper examines the effectiveness of the DHS and posits that not only has the DHS been ineffective but its private contractors have been expensive.
Outline:
Introduction
The Debate of 'Office' Vs 'Department' of Homeland Security
The Bush Agenda
The Effectiveness of DHS Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Ahlers (2007) entitled: "Auditor's: Homeland Security Gets Mixed Grades" reports that congressional auditors gave "mixed grades to the Department of Homeland Security on its efforts to unify 22 agencies into one department and other goals." In what is stated to be a 320-page report of the Government Accountability Office findings states that while the DHS was made progress "in some areas" overall DHS "has failed at major management functions." (Ahlers, 2007) According to Senator Susan Collins, R-Maine and ranking member of the 'Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee' "With so much at stake and so many areas where progress is still required, America cannot settle for a mixed report card." (Ahlers, 2007) Substantial progress is reported in relation to maritime security while only modern progress is reported for: (1) immigration enforcement; (2) aviation security; (3) surface transportation security; (4) critical infrastructure protection; and (5) real property management. (Ahlers, 2007) Only modest progress was reported for: (1) border security; (2) immigration services; (3) acquisition management; and (4) financial management. (Ahlers, 2007) Limited progress is reported for: (1) emergency preparedness and response; (2) science and technology; (3) human capital management; and (4) information technology management. (Ahlers, 2007)"
Abstract This paper examines the establishment and goals of the Department of Homeland Security and then discusses the success in the mission behind its creation. The paper concludes that, at this point, it is too early to rate the DHS as a success or a failure.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Conclusion
From the Paper "The geospatial collection of intelligence would be different from the individual agencies. The geospatial Department of Homeland Security would bring under its umbrella those agencies which might have information that could, through analysis and dissemination, serve to improve and support the flow of information to the independent agencies that could then act in concert with a shared information data base, and pursue and perform their individual mission functions and provide a greater security for America."
Abstract This paper discusses the United States government's provisions to provide warning of terrorist attacks, assessments of vulnerability and recommendations for remedial actions at federal, state and local levels, as well as by the private sector. It specifically discusses the role of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Terrorist Threat Integration Center (TTIC).
From the Paper "Within society, the statements that are made by the government authorities are true because they are the power among people, which gives them more control and the authority to define crime. By using this power, police can have upper hand on crime and criminals due to the fact that people become intimidated those who have a power over them. In other words, the law was made for the police and criminal justice to gain and maintain a power over society. When people believe there is a power that can restrain them, they have more self-control in order to avoid others who look down on them and embarrassment. Furthermore, the law was made to give society structure under the government."
Abstract The paper looks at how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was criticized for the amount of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, its lack of an evacuation plan and its poor response after the storm. The paper provides recommendations for the DHS and relates that the organization's lack of help for people to evacuate seems to be what most people see as the major failing of the DHS. The paper concludes that the pre-disaster response appears to be the area on which the department should focus.
From the Paper "It is no secret that many people believe the National Response Plan (NRP) failed drastically during and after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005. This plan was created by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to be implemented when just such a disaster occurred. The Department of Homeland Security is designed to protect the country against various threats. Most notably, though, it is designed to protect the United States from terrorism on American soil. This particular department was created after the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001. It is a cabinet-level post and the need for it was seen after the attacks."
Abstract This paper assesses the Department of Homeland Security from the perspective or organizational management. It shows that the DHS has a rigid organization structure and is therefore is unable to meet its goals in the long term. The paper reflects that change needs to be made that improves flexibility and tolerance of alternative strategies in order for the DHS to achieve success.
From the Paper "The organization that is under scrutiny is the Department of Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in 2002 by the Homeland Security Act which incorporated the "transfer of agencies, personnel, assets, and obligations" to the DHS as well as the "consolidation, reorganization, or streamlining of agencies transferred to the Department" (Department of Homeland Security, 2006; para 2). This reorganizational plan was created with the specific purpose of creating a single principle agency that would enable most agencies affiliated with national security and intelligence to combine resources and to communicate efficiently."
Abstract The paper examines the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and looks at how the United States' information systems fail to meet the tests of universality and of platform and operating systems compatibility. The paper then looks at how border security and the war against bioterrorism have been facilitated by cutting-edge technologies that are compromised by the same interoperability issues. The paper concludes that the failings of the DHS is proof that a more streamlined, centralized data-gathering and data-exchange process is needed.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Information Systems and Standards Universality, Oversight and Compatibility: the Case of the United States Government
Federal Information Systems and the Border
A brief Look at Federal information Systems and Bioterrorism
Future Vision
Conclusions/Summary
From the Paper "A Government Accountability Office Study conducted in June of 2005 found many problems with the information system in place at the Department of Homeland Security - problems that clearly reveal logistical and planning problems that must be overcome both in the public and in the private realms if the terrorist threat is to be appreciably reduced. To begin with, if the DHS is to be held up as an example, the United States government has done a desultory job of putting in place universal information security practices and controls. Things like a proper risk assessment, security plan, a regime of security tests and evaluations, remedial action plans, and a structure for the continuity of operations have (in one way or another) fallen short of expectations or have simply been absent (Government Accountability Office, 2005)."
Abstract This paper reviews and analyzes the Michigan's Sex Offender Registration (SOR) Act. The writer describes its history and explains that the establishment of a sex offender registration in the state of Michigan has become a significant tool for law enforcement, victims and the public in tracking convicted sex offenders. Since juvenile delinquents also commit sexual offenses, they are also mandated to report for placement on the sex offender registry, and the writer describes and analyzes Michigan's juvenile justice program with the Department of Human Services (DHS). In conclusion, the paper examines how the SOR Act impacts the juvenile justice policies of the DHS. A table of the sex offender registration offense codes is included as an appendix to the paper.
Outline:
Abstract
Policy Review
History
Registration and Reporting Requirements
Juvenile Registrations
Violations
Amendments
Overview and Impact
Program Overview
Juvenile Justice Program
Population Serviced
Program Benefit and Nature of Service
Program Administration/Delivery and Design of the Delivery System
Program Funding and Mode of Finance
Policy and Program Considerations
Appendix A: Sex Offender Registration Offense Codes
From the Paper "Registered sex offenders are to report to law enforcement within 10 days if there are changes in their residence, place of work, place of education, or if they are paroled, or release from the department of corrections. If the move is to a new state, than law enforcement must be notified 10 days prior to the move to facility notification to the appropriate law enforcement authority where the sex offender will reside. Registration by sex offenders continues for 25 years following the date of initial registration or for 10 years after release from a state correctional facility, whichever is the longest, unless the conviction is of a specified offense in which case registration is for life."
From the Paper " "The Rocking-Horse Winner" is the story of a young boy, Paul, who is driven to be lucky. Behind this drive is his need to please his mother, a cold and unloving woman who appears to others to be a good mother. The mother believes she has no luck; she started with all the advantages but has found herself in a marriage to an unsuccessful man whose good prospects never materialize. The mother tries to find work to bring in additional money but it is never enough. The parents try to keep up the appearance of their social position but their income is never enough for their expensive taste. The constant shortage of money causes the house to whisper in unspoken terms that there must be more money.
Paul learns about luck from his mother: it is luck that causes people to have money. When Paul declares he is lucky he..."
Abstract This paper explores the theme, style and plot of three of D. H. Lawrence's stories: "The Rocking-Horse Winner," "The Blind Man,"and "Tickets, Please." By examination of each of these stories, the writer identifies Lawrence's messages inherent in each tale.
From the Paper ""The Rocking-Horse Winner" is a tale revolving around a young boy's quest for his mother's love through alleviating her money problems. One of the themes Lawrence explores is the relationship between parents and children, specifically mother and son. Paul's mother commits the sin of criticizing Paul's father to Paul, dismissing the father's contributions to the family and harping on his failings in luck and money (Burgeon, 1997). Lawrence also explores the notion of the love parents feel for their children. Paul's mother has a finite quality to the love she has for her kids, ?at the center of her heart [is] a hard place that could not feel love, no, not for anybody.? (http://www.123student.com/english/1874.shtml). Even though on the surface, Paul's mother acts committed to their welfare, the children sense this hardness of hers and are aware of this limit on her affections for them. This, in turn, gives the children, namely Paul, psychological trauma. Lawrence also expresses his belief that money does not guarantee happiness or love."
Abstract This paper discusses the Department of Homeland Security, the consolidation of 22 previously incongruent domestic agencies after the events of September 11, 2001 into one department whose sole job is to protect the nation against threats to Americans. It examines its history, hierarchy and current programs as well as its budgeting and its future. It looks at how especially due to the current, escalated climate in American politics, the structure, operation and future of the DHS are critical to the safety of all Americans. This paper includes footnotes and detailed appendixes A through H.
From the Paper "The hierarchy within the Department of Homeland Security is rigorously outlined , illustrating a clear and concise chain of command. This strict hierarchy is necessary because of the many components included within the Department as a whole. The chain begins with Secretary Tom Ridge. Ridge was sworn in shortly after the attacks of September 11th and was confronted with the difficult task of working with over 180,000 employees from combined agencies in order to develop and carry out a strategy for the protection of the United States against terrorist attacks."
Abstract This paper offers some details on the new Homeland Security agency, which was created from 22 domestic agencies, previously serving various functions as units on their own. The paper explains that this new department's primary function is protection - the United States is to be safeguarded against attacks of the kind occurring in September 2001. The paper describes the various functions of the DHS, with reference to the problems and issues it has faced so far.
From the Paper "This assumption of responsibility by the public is echoed by the President in his letter to the nation. Included in his establishment of the DHS is also his commission to the Department to create the "National Strategy for Homeland Security" (White House 2002). The emphasis rests on national, and thus on sharing responsibility for national safety among federal officials as well as the public. The strategy aims to establish specific goals to be reached by all sectors of society, as well as all citizens. According to the letter, every American should share the responsibility of protection for the United States? policies of freedom and equality."
Abstract This paper briefly explores some of the sociological implications swirling around the expansion of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The writer also discusses the general increase in formal and informal surveillance after 11 September, 2001. The paper looks at the impact upon America in terms of civil liberties, the financial cost of surveillance, and the impact upon America's standing in the world.
From the Paper "This paper explores the wide-spread implications of the Homeland Security Act and greater surveillance upon America's civil liberties, personal rights and freedoms, its government size and spending, and upon its foreign relations. The significance of the research paper - theoretically and practically - can be answered in two parts. In a theoretical sense, the animating question of this paper is important because it forces us to re-evaluate our traditional American understanding of the relationship of the government to its citizens."
Abstract The paper looks at the criticism regarding the implementation of laws in ensuring the safety of chemical plants and ports that explains why many believe the Bush administration falls short in ensuring the public's safety from terrorist attacks. The paper reveals that the implementation of these laws is weak, as most rely on the operators' own initiative. The paper therefore contends that there is a need for stronger implementation, standardized guidelines and strict penalties for those who do not abide by the laws.
Outline:
Homeland Security Act
Chemical Plants and Terrorism
The Threat on U.S. Ports
Conclusion
From the Paper "The attacks in September 11, 2001 have wounded the American nation permanently, as it resulted in the demolition of the World Trade Towers, damaged the Pentagon, and killed more than 3,000 people and injured thousands more (Environment News Service [ENS], 2003). Since then, the United States has been living in a constant fear that future terrorist attacks will again ensue. Therefore, the government designed and implemented a bill that established an agency whose purpose is "to prevent terrorist attack to occur within the United States, to reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism, and minimize the damage, assist in the recover, from terrorist attacks that do occur within the United States (The White House, 2008)." The DHS is responsible for scrutinizing every possible risk of every resource available, should a terrorist attack arise."
