Overview On The Department Of Homeland Security

Homeland Security leverages resources within Federal, state, and local governments, coordinating the transition of multiple agencies and programs into a single, integrated agency focused on protecting the American people and their homeland. More than 87,000 different governmental jurisdictions at the federal, state, and local level have homeland security responsibilities.

Those agencies making up the Department of Homeland Security are housed in one of four major directorates: Border and Transportation Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Science and Technology, and Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection.

The Border and Transportation Security directorate brings the major border security and transportation operations under one roof, including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, whose top priority is to keep terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States. CBP prevents narcotics, agricultural pests and smuggled goods from entering the country and also identifies and arrests those with outstanding criminal warrants. The Transportation Security Agency protects the nation's transportation systems by ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce.

English: Washington, DC, April 15, 2003 --Michael ...

English: Washington, DC, April 15, 2003 --Michael ...

English: Lockheed P-3 Orion with large radar trace...

The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) trains agencies in support of homeland security while the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service provides leadership in ensuring the health and care of animals and plants. This agency improves agricultural productivity and competitiveness and contributes to the national economy and the public health. The Office of Domestic Preparedness (G&T) is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Preparedness Directorate, responsible for preparing the nation against terrorism by assisting states, local and tribal jurisdictions, and regional authorities as they prevent, deter, and respond to terrorist acts. G&T provides a broad array of assistance to America's first responders through funding, coordinated training, exercises, equipment acquisition, and technical assistance.

The Emergency Preparedness and Response directorate oversees domestic disaster preparedness training and coordinates government disaster response. It brings together: FEMA who's...