Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Nuclear Threats, Research Paper Example

Introduction

In recent years with the continued advancement of technologies, there has been an increased threat to the integrity of the US homeland in many different ways. Therefore, it is necessary to address some of these considerations in addressing the future direction of the Department of Homeland Security. This federal agency is responsible for ensuring that US borders and other interests are as secure as possible and are reflective of the priorities of the organization, its employees, and all US residents. However, there continues to be many issues associated with the protection of US interests and is dependent on the development of a successful approach to homeland security that supports these objectives in tandem. Terrorists and threats from many nations and groups prevail in spite of these efforts and therefore, disconnect between the work of this agency and the resulting outcomes has prohibited full progress in achieving the desired objectives. The following organization will address some of the most important issues regarding homeland security in the modern era and any gaps in communication that contribute to these problems and in achieving safer and more secure US interests and territories. In particular, interagency communications should be considered to determine if there are distinct gaps in communication that threaten the work that is performed by homeland security officials in many different communities and at US borders.

Analysis

The development and sustainability of successful homeland security practices and strategies depends on successful communication at all levels. There is sufficient evidence to demonstrate that within the Department of Homeland Security, there are gaps in communication that prohibit the success of many processes and strategies in an efficient manner.[1] An article by Cellucci demonstrates the importance of achieving improved communication between the agency and the public/private sector through knowledge sharing and support of all relevant objectives. 1

It is important to recognize that communication is a challenge for all organizations; however, homeland security needs represent a necessity to achieve consistency and to have open lines of communication across all channels. 1 One of the key factors to consider is that there are significant gaps in communication not only between organizations, but also between communities that are impacted by a variety of threats, and emergency management (EM) communications must be clear and precise as best as possible.[2] It is known that “The main technological post-disaster challenge is rapid deployment of communication systems for the EM community. Sociological-based communications challenges can arise from public fear, stress, and other emotions aggravated by the lack of information…Communications infrastructure can be impacted in an emergency by too many people vying for the same communication resources (radio channels, cell bandwidth, etc.) and loss of resources due to damage to a portion of the communication infrastructure” 2 With this framework in mind, it becomes necessary for homeland security officials and other organizations that work in conjunction with this agency to determine how to best move forward by becoming more proactive before events strike rather than after. 2 This is an important and necessary approach to working directly with organizations such as homeland security to ensure that these agencies are effectively prepared to share any and all information openly and honestly that could lead to the aversion of a potential disaster and that could intercept activities prior to a disaster to prevent mass casualties and other implications to community-based infrastructures.

It is necessary to determine the level of competence and the ability of the Department of Homeland Security to effectively communicate with other agencies and communities to promote collaborative efforts to achieve common goals and objectives. However, since the Department is a federal agency with many levels of bureaucracy, it is inevitable that there will be severe gaps in communication from time to time that could have prevented additional problems. However, significant challenges continue to prevail and demonstrate the gaps in communication that are evident in supporting the creation of an environment that embraces open communication and utilizes the core strengths of different agencies and communities to work together towards a set of common goals and objectives. In 2007, the Department of Homeland Security was evaluated in many of the larger metropolitan areas of the United States to determine if any gaps were evident across a number of areas and it was determined that the majority of communities have improved their communications in periods of threat or disaster; however, some areas did not perform as well and require additional improvements.[3]

During periods when crises or threats occur, it is necessary to develop a communication strategy that fully supports the development of new outcomes and expectations for homeland security that also provides peace of mind and support for communities who might face the challenges of these conditions. From a federal agency perspective, it is necessary to develop a strategic approach that is dependent on communication from the top down when the impact is significant and a threat to the integrity of the US population in one form or another. It is important to recognize the value of a well-structured and well-defined communication plan or strategy in an effort to accommodate the needs of communities throughout the US in the event that there is a biological, chemical, or radioactive threat that requires immediate action. Covello et.al demonstrate that in the area of increased risk, “poor or ineffective risk communication typically results in the human behaviors that include the loss of trust, reduced likelihood that people would take the appropriate protective actions, and greater loss of life and property…Effective risk communication establishes public confidence in the ability of an organization to deal with a risk, such as an improvised explosive device (IED) attack.”[4] Under these circumstances, it is necessary to develop a new approach or strategy that encompasses the creation of new objectives to support homeland security models and practices that are designed to manage or avert risk as best as possible. 4 This is also an important tool because it provides additional evidence regarding the impact of homeland security and related measures on the aversion of risk and the ability to reduce the potential for risk against US soil and its communities. 4 These efforts are indicative of the development of new ideas and approaches as established by homeland security to ensure that there are sufficient protocols in place to support the continued growth and development of homeland security communications to include a variety of agencies and local organizations working in communities. With these perspectives in mind, it is likely that homeland security objectives will be met more effectively and will provide a greater level of resonance and impact on homeland security objectives, while also promoting greater trust in this organization in local communities and other areas.

The creation of an environment within homeland security that supports effective communication requires the creation of a comprehensive strategy that will encompass a variety of key objectives in support effective outcomes over the long term. It is known that “Effective risk communication is a key responsibility of leaders and emergency responders before, during, and after an IED attack. For example, during an IED attack, the public, news media, policy makers, and other stakeholders will demand timely, accurate, and quality information. A leader or spokesperson who communicates badly may be perceived as incompetent, uncaring, or dishonest, thus losing trust. One who communicates well, however, can reach large numbers of people with clear and credible health, safety, and security messages.” 4 Therefore, it is expected that there will be additional factors associated with the ability of homeland security to calm down communities and the general public and provide a greater sense of trust in the work that is performed. 4 However, this also requires an effective understanding of the key elements of homeland security protocols and practices that are only provided to the public on a need-to-know basis rather than in public circles. 4 In some cases, it is of greater benefit not to publicize threats of terror from biological, chemical, or radiological sources until there is credible evidence to back these threats up as provided by the FBI and other agencies. 4 With this approach in mind, it is likely that additional methods will be considered that provide relevant information in a manner that is fair and balanced, yet does not possess the intent to create a scare in the public forum without sufficient evidence. 4 These elements are critical to the success of a given endeavor and the development of new approaches which are designed to influence the response effort without disrupting the tactics that are utilized. 4

It is also important for homeland security officials to create a communication-based environment that is open, honest, and truthful regarding emerging issues and other resources that may impact the welfare of the general population. These efforts require an astute level of growth and change in order to accomplish the desired objectives and to consider other factors that are influential in shaping outcomes for all US residents. Under these conditions, it is likely that the development of a successful approach will demonstrate the impact of open communication across all channels within the Department of Homeland Security. It is important for the organization to consider its responsibility to the general public at all times and to demonstrate its willingness to cooperate with other agencies towards the achievement of common goals and objectives. In addition, it is important to develop new opportunities to improve communication that are based upon the ability to preserve the safety and security of all US residents, borders, and other interests. These opportunities will provide a greater level of communication that is shared within each area of the Department, in addition to the promotion of other factors that are influential in shaping effective outcomes for all persons.

Conclusion

The US Department of Homeland Security faces critical challenges in its efforts to produce successful outcomes and to demonstrate an effective approach to communicating problems and threats to the general public and to other agencies. It is important to develop a strategy that will minimize the risks associated with failures in communication and promote the strengths more fully in matters that impact the US population. When there are threats of a serious nature from chemical, biological, or radiological means, it is important to provide honest and truthful information regarding threats to the general public when this information does not pose additional threats beyond those that have already been revealed. This balance must be drawn in an effort to produce desirable outcomes and to also reflect upon the challenging nature of these threats and how individuals and communities respond to them in different ways. It is important for this agency to exercise discretion whenever possible in this area, but also to consider the different elements of communication that are required to ensure that the general public is out of harm’s way. Therefore, any gaps in communication must be minimized through a collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, the FBI, and other community-based agencies that are influential in shaping the outcomes of a given threat or other type of event. It is also expected that within the Department of Homeland Security, its employees and officials will successful respond to the development of inter-agency communications that are likely to achieve greater outcomes and increased potential for safety and security at all levels. With this perspective in mind, it is recommended that the Department of Homeland Security must consider its options in order to promote an enhanced and effective communication-based effort to encourage idea sharing to promote new concepts and approaches to provide information to the general public in different ways. Enhancements to communication-based practices throughout the Department of Homeland Security are likely to provide greater collaboration and knowledge sharing throughout the agency which will contribute to the achievement of different objectives that the organization supports in its regular activities. It is expected that these enhancements will promote more open lines of communication that are based upon the demand for new types of services and alternatives so that the organization performs its role in securing the nation’s borders and interests as best as possible, in addition to the protection and safety of its people.

References

Cable, Josh. “DHS scorecard shows progress, gaps in communications. Last modified January, 2007, http://ehstoday.com/fire_emergencyresponse/ehs_imp_44217

Cellucci, Thomas A. “Bridging the ‘communications gap’ between the public and private sector – making it easier to do business with DHS.” Last modified October, 2008, http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/bridging_the_communication_gap.pdf

Covello, Vincent. “Effective risk communications for the counter improvised explosive devices threat.” Last modified December, 2010, http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st_hfd_volume1.pdf

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. “Gap assessment in the emergency response community.” Las modified February, 2011, http://precisioninformation.org/wpcontent/uploads/2011/03/PNNL_PIE_Gap_Report_20110318.pdf

[1] Thomas A. Cellucci. “Bridging the ‘communications gap’ between the public and private sector – making it easier to do business with DHS.” Last modified October, 2008, US Department of Homeland Security, http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/bridging_the_communication_gap.pdf

[2] Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. ”Gap assessment in the emergency response community.” Last modified February 2011, http://precisioninformation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/PNNL_PIE_Gap_Report_20110318.pdf

[3] Josh Cable. “DHS scorecard shows progress, gaps in communications. Last modified January, 2007, http://ehstoday.com/fire_emergencyresponse/ehs_imp_44217

[4] Vincent Covello. “Effective risk communications for the counter improvised explosive devices threat.” Last modified December, 2010, http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/st_hfd_volume1.pdf