Homeland Security Resilience Paper Example

Homeland Security is an American umbrella term that defines America's preparedness to face any form of aggression from enemies. The law enforcement agency puts an effort in creating a safe and secure environment where each American can adequately play their duty to support individual and collective objectives with the society. The institution was established after the September 11 terrorist on the US which left substantial adverse effects on the nation (Wise, 2014). The formation of the security agency is provided for by the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and widespread, systematic changes in matters about domestic security in the US. Homeland Security has its intended purpose adequately through advocating for the national resilience of the American society. The duty of the agency is not only confirmed to reducing terrorism but also responding to national security emergencies that relate to the safety and security of the US (Scott& Coleman, 2016).

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National resilience is the primary function of the Department of Homeland Security, and the strategies of the agency remain open to the prevailing conditions in America's society. The broad concept defines the diverse characteristics of comminutes, organizations and individuals put in place to improve their defense mechanisms against external aggression (Scott& Coleman, 2016). National resilience also comprises of the infrastructure in technology and economic policies which advance a country's ability to face hostility. DHS plays a vital role in "the protection of U.S. territory, sovereignty, domestic population, and critical infrastructure against external threats and aggression" (Wise, 2014). The agency also conducts military missions such as air patrol and maritime defense.

As the role of DHS changes with time, the agency has also developed strategies that improve the security and safety of the national land. DHS only became effective after the September 11 attacks which shows an institution created out of uncertainty and urgency Americans have consistently defined the agency regarding the fights against terrorism. However, changes in the organizational structure and culture of DHS reflect the evolving needs of the American citizenry that the institution serves (Scott& Coleman, 2016). The intensity and limits of traditional decision-making models have proved impractical for emergency responses in modern society. The role of federal and state security agencies in national resilience remain partially ineffective and thus indicate the need for increased participation of all social and political units to enhance domestic security. To serve this agenda, the DHS has formulated and implemented policies that favor increased community participation in the countries preparedness for emergencies and security issues (Wise, 2014).

One of the essential strategies DHS has implemented is the engagement of diverse communities in law enforcement. America faces a wide range of historical injustices on account of demographic factors such as race, sex, and gender. These social problems reflect on the need to create an inclusive security framework which serves the needs and gives equal opportunities to all American citizens. Law enforcement has also faced considerable criticism from the media and human rights activists for targeting individuals based on these sociocultural characteristics (Wise, 2014). Law and order present uncertainties that a single person or institution may not have the ability to mitigate and hence, the function requires the active participation of each person. Security agencies have also faced accusations about racial profiling especially for the people of color in America. The activists suggest that security agencies target the minority groups more than the majority White population. There also exist research findings which support the argument and hence, the DHS has aimed to lead by example by creating opportunities that increase community engagements in security (Erdtmann, 2016). The institution has increased the number of minority groups by reviewing policies that relate to hiring, selection and overall management of human resources in the organization.

Homeland has also created employee assistance programs (EOP) to motivate the labor force to work for the common good of American society. Motivation determines perception and hence, influences the amount of time and energy that employees are willing to commit to the overall goals of the organization. Employees at DHS need to understand the changing cultural and institutional changes about security, for them to be open to change. When employees fail to understand the course, resistance is inevitable. Besides, the workers serve their role in national resilience by remaining dedicated to their work such as in firefighting, mass evacuations and similarly, at the executive levels of the organizational structure. The EOPs in Home Land Security has significantly influenced the citizenry's approach to resilience thus improving the level of public support in law enforcement (Wise, 2014).

Conclusion

The organization also needs to develop relevant strategies to address the current gaps that undermine national resilience in America. The institution needs to address the challenges in information sharing which is the primary determinant on a nation's preparedness. DHS should invest in information and technology advancements that aid in solving crime by offering adequate and reliable information on the same (Erdtmann, 2016).

References

Erdtmann, F. (2016). Advancing Workforce Health at the Department of Homeland Security: Protecting Those Who Protect Us. Military Medicine, 181(2), 93-95. https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-15-00526

Scott, J., & Coleman, M. (2016). Reaching the unreached: Building resilience through engagement with diverse communities. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 9(4), 359-374. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=116748965&site=ehost-live

Wise, D. J. (2014). Federal and Transit Agencies Taking Steps to Build Transit Systems' Resilience but Face Challenges. GAO Reports, 1-41. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=bth&AN=99938871&site=ehost-live