Introduction
Authored by Kemp (2012), ‘Homeland Security: Past, Present, and Future’ is an informative journal article that discusses the developments that have been witnessed in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which was formed in 2002 to help in the fight against terrorism after the 9/11 events. It analyzes the developments in three major categories, namely the National Warning Systems, Citizen Assistance and Support Groups, and Homeland Security of the Future. Kemp (2012) reveals how the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) and the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) have facilitated communication among government stakeholders and citizens on how to counter terrorism. The journal also analyzes some of the citizen assistance support groups that have developed over the years. The goal is to sow how the public can benefit from such organizations. Kemp (2012) asserts that the Homeland Security is a sector that focuses on structuring buildings to blend with the environment, enhancing cyber security, and encouraging public participation in the fight against terrorism.
Key Findings of Journal Article
Kemp (2012) categorizes the main issues in the journal into three categories, namely the national warning systems, citizen assistance and support groups, and the future of Homeland Security. Under national warning systems, the journal identifies two systems: HSAS and NTAS. The reader realizes the role of HSAS, which was developed to help in communicating suspected terrorist assaults to the government and the public. It would also inform the state of the degree of the threat and/or changes in the condition of the attack using color codes. The article also presents the channel of communication of various issues. For instance, high-degree cases were communicated to the citizens while those of low condition were reported to the relevant agencies for further investigation. Moreover, the HSAS was replaced by NTAS to improve efficiency. The new system informs the authorities and the public about the looming terrorist in addition to the efforts that are made to avert. As the reader realizes, this plan gives citizens the opportunity to not only report suspicious activities but also suggest a means of quelling terrorist assaults.
On the issue of citizen assistance and support, the journal concisely discusses some of the organizations that work closely with DHS among others in fighting the extremism. The eight organizations include Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Citizen Corps (CC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps (FC), Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS), USAonWatch (USAOW), Corporation for National and Community Services (CNCS), and the IfraGard (IG). According to Kemp (2012), it is imperative for citizens to familiarize themselves with these groups. Besides, they should know their locations such that they can easily contact them for assistance whenever a need arises. Currently, the journal acknowledges the increased participation from the various levels of the government on issues of terrorism. The state is also striving to ensure that buildings blend with the community to minimize chances of being targeted.
Summary of Recommendations
Due to the increased level of involvement of public officials in matters about extremism, Kemp (2012) proposes the need to recognize accessible resources and services when emergencies arise. He also recommends that the construction of future public buildings should discourage the creation of underground car parking to limit the case of car bomb attacks. Moreover, terrorists have migrated into the US such that most of the assaults are not perpetrated by foreigners but rather residents of the US. It follows that there should be increased vigilance even within the borders. Besides, citizens should assist the government in identifying residents who intend to harm the country. Cyber security should be enhanced to deter terrorists from accessing information that they can use to assault the US. Cyber hackers can be controlled through the creation of duplicate systems and continuous supervision of computer usage.
Analysis of the Article as it applies to the Criminal Justice Policy Issue
This article is a criminal justice policy tool since it addresses the issue of enhancing social control, preventing and controlling criminal activities, or reprimanding perpetrators. Terrorism is a crime that not only poses a threat to the US but also the world. It has led to massive deaths such as those that were witnessed in the 9/11 attack. Thus, terrorism is an issue that criminal justice scholars and policymakers should study and develop the most pertinent mitigating policies. DHS was formed after 9/11 assault to prevent and control terrorist activities in the US. Kemp’s (2012) article analyzes not only the progress that has been made by the DHS but also the future developments. He also points out the role that citizens can play to counter terrorism. Hence, Kemp’s (2012) article is useful to criminal justice policymakers, especially when developing policies for enhancing homeland security.
Criminal Justice Policy Matters that arise from the establishment of the DHS
Penn (2013) confirms that the formation of the DHS has triggered several criminal justice policy issues, including the issue of how to handle international terrorist activities using the domestic criminal justice processes. Furthermore, the arrest and trial of suspects of terrorism have raised human rights issues. Criminal justice policymakers continue to develop strategies that can ensure that they reprimand extremists without violating their rights. Furthermore, terrorism is largely associated with radical Islamism. Indeed, the 9/11 attack was perpetrated by radical Muslims via the Al-Qaeda group. Subsequently, it caused unwarranted suspicions and arrest of Muslims. Therefore, criminal justice policies should examine how the existing stereotypes can be eliminated even as the fight against terrorism continues. The DHS has also caused the need to shift from the conventional methods of policing to intelligence-led policing techniques that consider the complexity of the terrorists’ network.
Reference List
Kemp, R. (2012). Homeland Security in America: Past, Present, and Future. World Future Review, 1(1), 28-33.
Penn, E. (2013). Homeland Security and Criminal Justice: Five Years after 9/11. New York, NY: Routledge.