A review of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Topics covered include: mission, agencies, funding, and scope. The DHS has been an operational cabinet post since after the 9/11 attacks and has transformed the size and breadth of government substantially. In addition to an analysis of the Department, five questions regarding its efficacy and purpose are discussed, as are any changes which might be made in the future.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with arguably the largest collection of missions and directives of any cabinet level organization in the Executive Branch. Considering its broad scope of activities from border security to disaster relief to immigration, the DHS "budget for fiscal 2013 is just over $59 billion" (Waterman, S. February 13, 2012. PP. 1) a seemingly insufficient amount upon consideration of its importance in ensuring "a safer, more secure America" (DHS.gov. Home Page. 2012. PP. 1).
In June of 2002, nine months after the horrific attacks of 9/11, President George W. Bush, "proposed to create a new Department of Homeland Security, the most significant transformation of the U.S. government in over half-century by largely transforming and realigning the current confusing patchwork of government activities into a single department whose primary mission is to protect our homeland" (DHS.gov. Home Page. 2012. PP. 1). This new department began and continues with the mission "to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards" (DHS.gov. Home Page. 2012. PP. 1).
Organization
Broadly, the DHS identifies five critical directives for which it is responsible: Counter Terrorism, Border Security, Preparedness, Response, Recovery, Immigration, and Cyber Security. Under these core principles however, there is a dizzying array of structural and procedural layouts which support the major themes. Analyzing the Cabinet's organizational chart and core components, there are no fewer than 16 entities which have specific core competencies relative to U.S. protection. Leading the agency is the Secretary; currently Janet Napolitano. Under her and reporting to her are three Directorates: Management, Science & Technology, and National Protection and Programs. Likewise four Offices: Policy, Health Affairs, Intelligence & Analysis, and Operations Coordination & Planning serve the Secretary with administrative, operation, logistics, and planning functionality. Under these command Offices and Directorates, the traditional hands on agencies and organizations with which the American people recognize and interact with are represented: Citizenship & Immigration, Immigration & Customs, Coast Guard, Federal Emergency Management, Customs & Border Protection, Transportation Security, Domestic Nuclear Detection, Federal Law Enforcement Training, and Secret Service (DHS.gov. Home Page. 2012. PP. 1).
Unifying Purpose
While the organizational chart provides a chain of command flow and structure to the DHS, the complexity of the interactions prevents a reasoned and logical analysis of the organizations efficacy. Returning to the five core themes of DHS, the unifying principles of America's protection are elucidated.
On Counter Terrorism "protecting the American people from terrorist threats is the founding purpose of the Department and our highest priority" (DHS.gov. Counter Terrorism. 2012. PP. 1). Here, departments such as TSA and Nuclear Security are found.
Regarding Border Security, "the Department of Homeland Security prevents and investigates illegal movements across our borders, including the smuggling of people, drugs, cash, and weapons" (DHS.gov. Border Security. 2012. PP. 1). Customs, Coast Guard, and Immigration (INS) are working departments in this area.
Preparedness, Response, Recovery refers to "providing a coordinated, comprehensive federal response and mounting a swift and effective recovery effort" (DHS.gov. Preparedness. Response. Recovery. 2012. PP. 1). FEMA is the direct provider of government action and coordination in this realm.
On Immigration, "the Department is responsible for providing immigration-related services and benefits such as naturalization and work authorization" (DHS.gov. Immigration. 2012. PP. 1). INS is the primary vehicle in this context however, cross-over with Border Security functions are common.
Lastly, DHS engages in cyber security "keeping our federal civilian networks secure, and secure the cyberspace and critical infrastructure on which we all depend" (DHS.gov. Cyber Security. 2012. PP. 1 ). This issue is a growing one and according to President Obama is "one of the most serious economic and national security threats our nation faces" (DHS.gov. Cyber Security. 2012. PP. 1).
Part B
1. Is the department logically organized for effectively fulfilling its mission? If so, explain why / if not, explain why. Be detailed.
You’re 74% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.