Homeland security overview and policy framework

Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security

Since the infamous 9/11 bombing the United States of America has been seriously committed to safeguarding the nation and assuring the safety of the nation and its people against the threat of terrorism. Because of this, Department of Homeland Security was established and is now continuously exploring the different areas and strategies to further improve on their services to the U.S. society.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002 by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. Now, DHS is working collaboratively with different agencies and departments in the pursuit of initiating different research and development activities (Morgan, Oct. 14, 2006). It should be noted that the "primary research and development arm" of DHS is the Directorate for Science and Technology (S&T Directorate) that provides federal, state and local officials with the technology and capabilities to protect the homeland. (www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0530.xml.

Science and technology policy is indeed considered as the most important aspect in the creation of the Department of Homeland Security. The federal government has played a critical role in carrying out its research and development challenges, especially with defense R&D. More so, other homeland security technology areas such as aviation security, port security, and cyber-security, admits that it still requires extensive federal involvement. Although the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy has been effective in coordinating some interagency science and technology (S&T) programs, the level of the homeland security technology task needs further restrictions on its limited capabilities and staffing. (http://www.issues.org/18.2/bonvillian.html, Oct. 14, 2006)

Overall Analysis

The Department of Homeland Security's most vital task is to develop an international science and technology policy to further improve the coherence of the department's foreign efforts, including the sharing of critical homeland security technologies. (Carafano, et al., Oct. 14, 2006)

More so, the U.S.' DHS seemed to involve all significant departments and agencies in the U.S. It not only entails working with the Directorate of Science and Technology, but with more other federal agencies such as the FBI and other security agencies of the state. This is because DHS has maintained that it is established not to work alone in enhancing security and safety of the people but in collaborating with all the U.S. departments and agencies, as long as it uphold the overall vision of the department - to protect and provide security to the people.

Thus, it can be viewed that DHS is logically organized as it provide venues for different governmental and federal agencies to work hand in hand with the department. However, the DHS has its own limitations that may not live up to the science and technology policy. but, if its objectives are attained in an honest and credible manner with an unbiased support from the federal government, there is a greater chance for the department to run for a longer term. Its similarities with the science and technology policy are considerably the most important factor that the federal government should focus such that the goal of securing the homeland, together with its people, my take place.

References and Works Cited