Effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security Research Paper

Effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security - Research Paper Example Reflecting on what happened on that fateful day; one is left wondering how it happened and where the security agents were at the time. However, what is clear is that the intelligence agencies failed in their mandate to protect the country from such catastrophes. A reflection of the incidence show the Pentagon being raced down by planes hijacked by terrorists. In fact, many people were taken aback by the incident including the security agents. Therefore, to prevent such attacks in the future and to ensure that America becomes a secure country to live in and do business, George Walker Bush, undertook a proactive move that led to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. The move to establish the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was informed by the need to protect the U.S. against terrorism, according to Ball (2005). DHS had 22 different federal agencies charge with different roles aimed at ensuring that the country is safeguarded from terrorist threats. The fact th at DHS had 22 different federal departments made it the third largest Federal department in the country. An overview of the Department of Homeland Security's responsibilities in prevention and emergency response The responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security as far as prevention and emergency response are concerned are four folds. The first major responsibility of DHS is safeguarding the United States by preventing terrorism and enhancing national security (Charvat, 2012). According to Charvat (2012), safeguarding the U.S. and its citizens from terrorism was the cornerstone for its formation, following the 9/11 incident. The 9/11 incident exposed the country’s vulnerability to terrorism of whatever kind. Therefore, in response to the incident, the then president, George Walker Bush found it necessary to form an independent department responsible for safeguarding the country from terrorist threats. It is reported that DHS works in collaboration with other federal Departments and agencies to ensure that the country remain safe and secure to live in and do business. In fulfilling its mandate of safeguarding the country against terrorism, DHS also focuses on the prevention of unauthorized importation, acquisition, or use of nuclear, biological, and chemical materials and capabilities within the country’s borders. In addition, DHS focuses on reducing vulnerability of key leadership, crucial infrastructure, and events to terrorist attacks and other catastrophes (Ball, 2005). Indeed many agree that the safety of the United States have increased tremendously since the formation of the Department of Homeland Security. So far, the country has not suffered a major incidence of terrorism (Charvat, 2012). In addition, with the help of the DHS, the President Obama administration have been able to kill Osama, the mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. However, this is not to say that the U.S. is absolutely safe from terrorism. This is because th e country recently witnessed an incident of terrorism during the Boston marathon, which left some people dead and scores injured. The incidence show that the DHS still needs to do more to safeguard the country and citizens from terrorism.