Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Research Paper

Total Length: 870 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

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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.

Succinctly, no! The encompassing mission of the DHS is so broad as to incorporate far too many active departments, agencies directorates, and components for the structure to effectively work. The flow chart itself is complex in its reporting and layered approach.

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The unification which is necessary to protect the U.S. from threats is not possible under the auspices of a broad tent approach to control and information dissemination. As an example, a recent report indicated "86 reported attacks on computer systems in the U.S. that control infrastructure, factories, and databases between October 2011 and February 2012" (Schmidt, M. March 13, 2012. PP. 1); yet no one Federal agency "has the authority to compel businesses that run the nation's infrastructure to improve their security" (Schmidt, M. March 13, 2012. PP. 1). If the DHS were to assume control of this task, the assumption would be that economies of scale in resources and scope would allow for greater efficacy. The counter is that the nimbleness and coordination necessary to prevent such hacking is anathema under a monolithic structure. Decentralization would be a more logical method of countering the multiple risks to homeland security.

2. Are there any federal, state, and/or local agencies present in DHS that do not belong? If so, explain why / if not, explain why. Be detailed.

The best example, and most obvious is FEMA, the.....

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