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."

Tags:poor, leadership, confidence, technological, advances, financial, management

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)"

Tags:mercenaries, contractors, Bush, agenda, Iraq

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."

Tags:justice, intelligence, surveillance

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."

Tags:response, structure, information, umbrella, agencies

Abstract
In this paper, the writer reviews an article about the creation of the new U.S. mega bureau, the Department of Homeland Security. The writer includes a discussion of bureaucracies and looks at the creation of DHS as a crisis bureaucracy.

From the Paper
"One of the most significant governmental responses to the September terrorist attacks on the United States was the creation of a new mega bureaucracy within the federal government the Department of Homeland Security which came into existence in order to provide a coordinated centralized agency capable of mounting not only a response to man-made and natural disasters but also requiring the means needed to prevent disasters from occurring to the extent that this may be possible. A recent analysis identified the ..."

Tags:bureaucracy, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, 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."

Tags:evacuation, natural, disasters, preparedness, storms

Abstract
The paper discusses how the 9/11 terror attacks focused the public attention on streamlining the Federal response, leading to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The paper looks at the changes proposed to the DHS, but asserts that although not perfect, the system by the simplest of measures appears to be functioning adequately.

From the Paper
"The devastating attacks of September 11, 2001 taught us two things: first that we are no longer safe from large scale terrorist attacks in our homeland, and second that the Federal government needed to redirect its resources in a coherent manner to fulfill its Constitutional obligations to "provide for the common defense, ...and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity..." ("Constitution," n.d.) To this ends the Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. 5005-8). The stated purpose of the act was to prevent terrorism, reduce vulnerability, and assist in the recovery from any attacks. (H.R. 5005-8 101) The Act directed the reorganization of several portions of the Executive Branch of the Federal Government to create a more focused and efficient means of accomplishing these goals."

Tags:terrorism, defense, federal, government

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."

Tags:community, supervision, offence, ward, violation, petition, conviction, criminal, misdemeanor

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)."

Tags:border, bioterrorism, data-exchange, federal, agencies

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."

Tags:department, security, organization