Agency and Role

Agency and Role Paper

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is an organization that works with the Federal Government to protect the United States from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and so much more. The DHS was put into place to protect civilians within the United States and outside the borders. The DHS is constantly preparing for incidents to arise and have plans of attack when one does. When an incident occurs whether, it is a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, the DHS responds immediately to these types of emergencies. In the following paragraphs, the author will explain what the DHS does and how it relates to other agencies, what surveillance is used within the agency, description of constituencies served by the agency, and funding, and structure of the agency.

The DHS is a “unified Department with a shared focus: strengthening out Nation-through a partnership with individual citizens, the private sector, state, local, and tribal governments, and our global partners” (Chertoff, 2008). The DHS is constantly planning, preparing, and making improvements throughout the day to accommodate incidents that may take place. The vision of the DHS is “a secure America, a confident public, and a strong and resilient society and economy” (DHS, 2008). DHS is the third largest Cabinet department inside the White House. DHS also constitutes the most diverse merger of federal functions and responsibilities by incorporating 22 government agencies into one organization. While working with different departments, the goal is making sure the civilian sphere is safe. One department that DHS works closely with is the Immigration and Naturalization Services. DHS works closely with Immigration making sure illegal immigrants do not cross the borders into America.

One way that the DHS can get a handle on incidents that might arise is through surveillance. Surveillance is general used to gather information about a certain person or incident that can be used in the...