Homeland Security Review QHSR National Dialogue
July 19, 2009 by national
Filed under Homeland Security News
Homeland Security Review QHSR
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano invites you to participate in the National Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR). This groundbreaking, web-based interactive dialogue is designed to allow a broader range of opinions and ideas to inform the QHSR process, and to strengthen the Department’s relationship with its vast array of partners and stakeholders, including other federal agencies, state, local, and tribal governments, law enforcement professionals, first responders, academic institutions, and the business community.
In order to capture this critical feedback, the Secretary is seeking your participation in three week-long, web-based dialogues. Each dialogue will build on the previous one, allowing participants to view and comment directly on proposed elements of the review before they are made final. Your invaluable participation will directly inform the work of the DHS study groups conducting the QHSR—and ultimately, our Homeland Security policies and priorities over the next four years. The final report is due to Congress on December 31, 2009.
What is the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review?
The Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) is a congressionally mandated, top-to-bottom review of the Department’s policies and priorities that will guide the Department and the nation for the next four years. The review is conducted by the Secretary of Homeland Security with key assistance from a set of study groups within DHS, each charged with reviewing a different aspect of the Department’s mission and operations. For more information, see http://www.dhs.gov/qhsr.
What is the National Dialogue on the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review?
The National Dialogue is a conversation between you, other Homeland Security stakeholders, and DHS on an innovative web-based platform. The National Dialogue is an iterative process, building on your input over the course of three dialogues. Each of the three dialogues will involve discussions on six topics being reviewed by DHS:
- Counterterrorism and Domestic Security Management
- Securing Our Borders
- Smart and Tough Enforcement of Immigration Laws
- Preparing for, Responding to, and Recovering from Disasters
- Homeland Security National Risk Assessment
- Homeland Security Planning and Capabilities
This unique experiment in 21st-century stakeholder consultation is being hosted by the National Academy of Public Administration, an independent, non-profit, congressionally-chartered institution, on behalf of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
I would be intrested in giving comments and also receiving informative information from your department. I am also a veteran with 4 yrs in and 4 yrs inactive. 3 years at sea.
Respectively submitted,
R. Etner
I would be intrested in giving comments and receiving information from your department. EMT, C.E.R.T, Moreno Valley CA Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
There are several things we can do to enhance our homeland security. I’m interested in receiving information and future emergency planning data from Homeland Security.
I am a 21 year USAF retiree, (Nuclear Command and Control).
First, let’s secure the borders. Currently, Almost anyone, from any country can enter. This will also make it harder for smuggling drug into the country.
Additional Border patrol personnel will be required. Additional high tech sensing devices are essential. Both borders, North and South need enhanced security.
A National Homeland Security Command Center is required and should be located in a non published, secret location. This center should be staffed by personnel from all the elements that comprise Homeland Security and would bring together all the suspicious events for evaluation in one place.
Fixing our borders is a definite first priority. Next I would suggest that we utilize our 1,100 community colleges as mini-DHS Centers for Excellence where government funded training could be delivered free of charge to our citizens, emergency responders and public safety officers. Those 1,100 community colleges (CC’s)are within an hours drive of the vast majority of our nation’s populace. CC’s train over 70% of our local EMS, firefighter, nursing and law enforcement personnel. Community colleges have an established rapport, direct knowledge of and a community nexus with the citizenry, emergency personnel as well as the leaders of our communities. Most local public safety departments have little funding available for training and find it almost impossible to send their limited staff away on travel to train. Many community colleges are just getting by and are strapped to deliver training without at least covering their costs. Why not bring all this together and make community-based Homeland Security training available direct to the citizens and their protectors? Topics could range the gambit from Citizen Preparedness, CERT, terrorism awareness, threats and vulnerabilities, tourism security to advanced skills for our public safety officers such as CBRNE, tactical medical and tactical response teams, search and rescue and ICS training. In addition to basic training that will need, local HS critical issues and training needs would be locally assessed and training delivered close-by to address the needs. Outside experts could be brought in when needed. This could build a solid homeland security system – delivered in the heartland for the homeland – from the bottom up.
Bob Martin
Retired National Security and Intelligence Manager, NPS
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security Coordinator, Westmoreland County Community College, Youngwood, PA