Critical Releases in Homeland Security: July 16, 2008

This document is the 2008 FEMA Higher Education Program Report and it summarizes the current status of emergency management higher education in the United States. "The number of emergency management higher education programs continue to grow in both number and strength. The data collection herein was undertaken to provide a status report of where emergency management higher education currently stands. The goal of this report is to assist the FEMA Emergency Management Higher Education Program, policymakers, educators, students, practitioners and other interested parties in understanding where higher education is today and where it is heading in the future. This report will examine current program status, program and student demographics, growth expectations, trends and challenges."

"Hazard mitigation is any sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from hazards. Mitigation activities may be implemented prior to, during, or after an incident. However, it has been demonstrated that hazard mitigation is most effective when based on an inclusive, comprehensive, long-term plan that is developed before a disaster occurs. This publication is one of three guidance documents on implementing the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Mitigation Planning regulations under Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 44, Part 201. […] The purpose of this Local Multi-Hazard Mitigation Planning Guidance is to provide guidance to local governments to meet the requirements of 44 CFR 201.6, Local Mitigation Plans."

"The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, changed the face of law enforcement in the United States. They also had a great impact on Arab-American communities. This study by the Vera Institute of Justice examines how the changes have affected policing in Arab-American neighborhoods. Many Arab-Americans were troubled by increased government scrutiny of their communities following the terrorist attacks. Indeed, some Arab-American communities said they were more afraid of law enforcement agencies -- especially federal law enforcement agencies -- than they were of acts of hate or violence, despite an increase in hate crimes. They specifically cited fears about immigration enforcement, surveillance and racial profiling. Four significant obstacles to improved relations between police and Arab-American communities emerged: Distrust between Arab- American communities and law enforcement. Lack of cultural awareness among law enforcement officers. Language barriers. Concerns about immigration status and fear of deportation. The study also revealed some promising practices for addressing these obstacles. Although this study focused on Arab-Americans, many of the best practices are consistent with general principles of community policing. The researchers believe they will be useful for improving relations between law enforcement and a wide range of communities, especially geographically concentrated immigrant communities. A more detailed report is available from the Vera Institute of Justice."