Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis

Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 161
Release: 2010-09-10
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0309161525

The events of September 11, 2001 changed perceptions, rearranged national priorities, and produced significant new government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created in 2003. While the principal mission of DHS is to lead efforts to secure the nation against those forces that wish to do harm, the department also has responsibilities in regard to preparation for and response to other hazards and disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and other "natural" disasters. Whether in the context of preparedness, response or recovery from terrorism, illegal entry to the country, or natural disasters, DHS is committed to processes and methods that feature risk assessment as a critical component for making better-informed decisions. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis explores how DHS is building its capabilities in risk analysis to inform decision making. The department uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although DHS is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. In addition to assessing the capability of DHS risk analysis methods to support decision-making, the book evaluates the quality of the current approach to estimating risk and discusses how to improve current risk analysis procedures. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis recommends that DHS continue to build its integrated risk management framework. It also suggests that the department improve the way models are developed and used and follow time-tested scientific practices, among other recommendations.

Department of Homeland Security Bioterrorism Risk Assessment

Department of Homeland Security Bioterrorism Risk Assessment
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 172
Release: 2009-01-03
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0309120284

The mission of Department of Homeland Security Bioterrorism Risk Assessment: A Call for Change, the book published in December 2008, is to independently and scientifically review the methodology that led to the 2006 Department of Homeland Security report, Bioterrorism Risk Assessment (BTRA) and provide a foundation for future updates. This book identifies a number of fundamental concerns with the BTRA of 2006, ranging from mathematical and statistical mistakes that have corrupted results, to unnecessarily complicated probability models and models with fidelity far exceeding existing data, to more basic questions about how terrorist behavior should be modeled. Rather than merely criticizing what was done in the BTRA of 2006, this new NRC book consults outside experts and collects a number of proposed alternatives that could improve DHS's ability to assess potential terrorist behavior as a key element of risk-informed decision making, and it explains these alternatives in the specific context of the BTRA and the bioterrorism threat.

Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis

Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis
Author: Greg Allen
Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2015-11-05
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780128022245

Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis: An Applied Approach details the entire risk analysis process in accessible language, providing the tools and insight needed to effectively analyze risk and secure facilities in a broad range of industries and organizations. The book explores physical vulnerabilities in such systems as transportation, distribution, and communications, and demonstrates how to measure the key risks and their consequences, providing cost-effective and achievable methods for evaluating the appropriate security risk mitigation countermeasures. Users will find a book that outlines the processes for identifying and assessing the most essential threats and risks an organization faces, along with information on how to address only those that justify security expenditures. Balancing the proper security measures versus the actual risks an organization faces is essential when it comes to protecting physical assets. However, determining which security controls are appropriate is often a subjective and complex matter. The book explores this process in an objective and achievable manner, and is a valuable resource for security and risk management executives, directors, and students.

Introduction to Homeland Security

Introduction to Homeland Security
Author: Jane Bullock
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 688
Release: 2012-01-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 0124158021

Provides a comprehensive account of past and current homeland security reorganization and practices, policies and programs in relation to government restructuring.

FUNDAMENTALS OF HOMELAND SECURITY

FUNDAMENTALS OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Author: John W. Ellis
Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher
Total Pages: 177
Release: 2014-03-01
Genre: Law
ISBN: 0398087865

The mission, authority, organization, role, function, and the fundamental terminology that affects homeland security in the United States is examined in this book. Homeland security demands quick, effective organization to operate in emergencies, but simultaneously defies it by the limited time frame and sheer scope of the problem. The author focuses on the five core missions of homeland security: preventing terrorism, securing borders, enforcing immigration law, safeguarding cyber systems, and ensuring resilience to disasters. These core missions require five common skill areas for homeland security operations: risk assessment, determining authority and capability to enact solutions, identifying organizational structure and functions, recognizing operational patterns, and applying analytical techniques to achieve the best performance possible. Unique features include the key points of contact, potential areas of conflict, legal and executive aspects, work flow processes and their analysis, examination of risk assessment, review of implementation and response, emergency services and logistics, and political issues. In addition, operational assignment of resources for intelligence, tactical response, investigations, prosecution, and confinement are discussed. A glossary of abbreviated terms frequently used is among the special features provided. With 18 illustrations, this up-to-date overview of homeland security and the necessary methods for implementation is a resource of valuable information.

Risk Analysis and Security Countermeasure Selection

Risk Analysis and Security Countermeasure Selection
Author: CPP/PSP/CSC, Thomas L. Norman
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 412
Release: 2009-12-18
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1420078712

When properly conducted, risk analysis enlightens, informs, and illuminates, helping management organize their thinking into properly prioritized, cost-effective action. Poor analysis, on the other hand, usually results in vague programs with no clear direction and no metrics for measurement. Although there is plenty of information on risk analysis

Security Risk Assessment and Management

Security Risk Assessment and Management
Author: Betty E. Biringer
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 384
Release: 2007-03-12
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0471793523

Proven set of best practices for security risk assessment and management, explained in plain English This guidebook sets forth a systematic, proven set of best practices for security risk assessment and management of buildings and their supporting infrastructures. These practices are all designed to optimize the security of workplace environments for occupants and to protect the interests of owners and other stakeholders. The methods set forth by the authors stem from their research at Sandia National Laboratories and their practical experience working with both government and private facilities. Following the authors' step-by-step methodology for performing a complete risk assessment, you learn to: Identify regional and site-specific threats that are likely and credible Evaluate the consequences of these threats, including loss of life and property, economic impact, as well as damage to symbolic value and public confidence Assess the effectiveness of physical and cyber security systems and determine site-specific vulnerabilities in the security system The authors further provide you with the analytical tools needed to determine whether to accept a calculated estimate of risk or to reduce the estimated risk to a level that meets your particular security needs. You then learn to implement a risk-reduction program through proven methods to upgrade security to protect against a malicious act and/or mitigate the consequences of the act. This comprehensive risk assessment and management approach has been used by various organizations, including the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bonneville Power Administration, and numerous private corporations, to assess and manage security risk at their national infrastructure facilities. With its plain-English presentation coupled with step-by-step procedures, flowcharts, worksheets, and checklists, you can easily implement the same proven approach and methods for your organization or clients. Additional forms and resources are available online at www.wiley.com/go/securityrisk.

Improving Homeland Security Decisions

Improving Homeland Security Decisions
Author: Ali E. Abbas
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Total Pages: 787
Release: 2017-11-02
Genre: Computers
ISBN: 1107161886

Are we safer from terrorism today and is our homeland security money well spent? This book offers answers and more.

Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation

Rapid Visual Screening of Buildings for Potential Seismic Hazards: Supporting Documentation
Author:
Publisher: Government Printing Office
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2015
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780160926754

The Rapid Visual Screening (RVS) handbook can be used by trained personnel to identify, inventory, and screen buildings that are potentially seismically vulnerable. The RVS procedure comprises a method and several forms that help users to quickly identify, inventory, and score buildings according to their risk of collapse if hit by major earthquakes. The RVS handbook describes how to identify the structural type and key weakness characteristics, how to complete the screening forms, and how to manage a successful RVS program.

Homeland Security

Homeland Security
Author: Michael Chertoff
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
Total Pages: 217
Release: 2011-11-29
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 081220588X

In 2003, the President and the U.S. Congress established the Department of Homeland Security. From the beginning, its mission was clear: prevent terrorist attacks, protect against threats to America's safety and security, and prepare the nation to respond effectively to disasters, both natural and man-made. This monumental mission demands a comprehensive strategy. It also requires a crystal-clear explanation of that strategy to Americans and their allies worldwide. In a revealing new book, Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years, Michael Chertoff provides that explanation. In a refreshingly candid and engaging manner, America's former homeland security secretary depicts the department's long-term approach, what it has achieved, and what it has yet to do. The strategy begins with the threats America faces, from terrorist groups like al Qaeda to hurricanes like Ike or Gustav. "Once these threats are identified," Chertoff writes, "we can confront them, using every tool at our disposal. We can stop terrorists from entering the country, and discourage people from embracing terrorism by combating its lethal ideology. We can protect our critical assets and reduce our vulnerabilities to natural disasters. We can plan and prepare for emergencies and respond in a way that minimizes the consequences. And we can work closely with our allies abroad to reduce the risk of future disasters." In each of these areas, Chertoff informs the reader what the nation has done and what it still must do to secure its future. How well has this strategy fared in a post-9/11 world? Since that fateful day, there have been no global terror attacks on American soil. Yet in the face of continued dangers, Michael Chertoff warns repeatedly against complacency. He urges America and its leaders to strengthen their resolve, stay the course, and build creatively on past successes.