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Remarks of Thomas D. Lehrman, Laying New Diplomatic Foundations to Defeat Twenty-First Century Threats: The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism, February 22, 2007
From the remarks of Thomas D. Lehrman: "Spotting the need for a new foundation against nuclear terrorism requires vision. Together, Presidents Bush and Putin set forth that vision last July when they announced the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism on the eve of the G-8 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia. Their announcement of this new effort also marked the first time that the U.S. and Russia had come together to co-lead a new multilateral international security initiative. Designing a new foundation against the threats of the twenty-first century also demands a sustained commitment to cooperation with international partners. Our U.S. national strategies to combat weapons of mass destruction and terrorism both emphasize the importance of such cooperation, as do the Nuclear Terrorism Convention, the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Facilities, and UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540. In that spirit of cooperation and building on these legal frameworks, the initial partner nations of the Global Initiative gathered in Rabat, Morocco on October 30-31 to establish a Statement of Principles for the upcoming work of the Initiative. By agreeing to and endorsing the Statement of Principles, all partners committed themselves to: Develop and improve accounting, control and physical protection; Enhance the security of civilian nuclear facilities; Research and develop national detection capabilities that are interoperable; Enhance search, confiscation, and safe control capabilities; Deny safe haven and financial resources to those facilitating nuclear terrorism; Ensure adequate civil and criminal legal frameworks to deter nuclear terrorism; Improve response, investigation, and mitigation capabilities; and Promote information sharing among participants, while protecting confidentiality."
United States. Department of State
2007-02-22
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Report of the Joint Defense Science Board Intelligence Science Board Task Force on Integrating Sensor-Collected Intelligence
This "is the final report of the Defense Science Board and Intelligence Science Board Joint Task Force on Integrating Sensor Collected Intelligence. As directed, we reviewed the mix and balance of sensors across the spectrum with the goal of identifying gaps and shortfalls and determining the improvements needed in the full cycle from tasking to collection to posting for all and subsequent dissemination of the information gathered by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems. The task force noted the robust plans for acquisition and deployment of airborne ISR with particular emphasis on unmanned platforms. We also observed the more fragile state of satellite-based ISR due to the effects of well-documented execution problems with key overhead sensor acquisition programs and the changing world events that increased demands beyond the capacity of the current and planned capabilities. The report identifies the gaps that could develop as a result of this situation. Many of the most challenging intelligence targets-including detecting WMD and its precursor agents, tracking people and characterizing deeply-buried targets-require that the relevant sensors be in close proximity to the target. The task force discussed the requirements of close-in ISR including unique platforms to deliver the sensor to the target area, specialized sensors to detect the faint signals of interest and tailored exfiltration techniques to get the data back from the sensors. The task force recommended that research and development efforts continue to address the most difficult signatures and the close-in ISR requirements."
United States. Defense Science Board; Intelligence Science Board
2008-11
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Anticipating Rare Events: Can Acts of Terror, Use of Weapons of Mass Destruction or Other High Profile Acts Be Anticipated? A Scientific Perspective on Problems, Pitfalls and Prospective Solutions
"This white paper covers topics related to the field of anticipating/forecasting specific categories of 'rare events' such as acts of terror, use of a weapon of mass destruction, or other high profile attacks. It is primarily meant for the operational community in DoD, DHS, and other USG agencies. […] The body of work before you should be viewed as the commencement of a journey with a somewhat murky destination-an exploration of terra incognita. Indeed the challenge addressed in this white paper, that of anticipating 'rare events' is daunting and represents a gathering threat to national security. The threat is supercharged by the increasing lateral connectedness of global societies enabled by the internet, cell phones and other technologies. This 'connected collective' as Carl Hunt has termed it, has allowed violent ideologies to metastasize globally often with no hierarchical, command-directed rules to govern their expansion. It is the emergent franchising of violence whose metaphorical 'genome' is exposed to constant co-evolutionary pressures and non-linearity that results in continuous adaptation and increasing resiliency making the task of effectively anticipating their courses of action all the more difficult. So what distinguishes a rare event in the context of national security? The easy response is to describe them as unlikely actions of high consequence and for which there is a sparse historical record from which to develop predictive patterns or indications."
United States. Department of Defense
2008-11
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Finding Safety in Numbers: Exploring the Possibilities of Terrorism Consequence Models as Public Safety Planning Tools
From the thesis Abstract: "Special events and mass gatherings present significant vulnerabilities across the United States and remain attractive targets for violent extremists. This study contends that a more realistic understanding of their human consequences (i.e., civilians killed or wounded) can help inform the deployment of limited resources and personnel to mitigate the potential consequences. Specifically, this thesis investigates how predictive analysis models could be developed, vetted, and implemented as public safety planning tools. The study examines the relationship between the crowd size and the killed or wounded rates of common terrorism attack types. When a relationship exists, the research explores how that relationship can be expressed as a mathematical model that predicts future lethality. The relationship between the crowd size, killed or wounded, and attack type is examined using regression analysis. Of the five attack types reviewed, only two yielded enough data for this level of statistical analysis. The results show a mostly weak relationship, which suggests that overall crowd size holds little influence over the total casualty rate. Instead, the weapon's effective range, crowd density, and ease of egress are recommended as future areas of continued study. This thesis also suggests continued research and development of probabilistic consequence models while identifying options for collaboration and implementation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ford, Ryan M.
2021-12
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Supply Chain Security: Challenges to Scanning 100 Percent of U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers, Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, U.S. Senate, June 12, 2008
From the GAO (Government Accountability Office) Highlights: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for preventing weapons of mass destruction from entering the United States in cargo containers that are shipped from more than 700 foreign seaports. The Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act calls for testing the feasibility of scanning 100 percent of U.S.-bound cargo containers, and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act (9/11 Act) requires scanning 100 percent of U.S.-bound cargo containers by 2012. To fulfill these requirements, CBP created the Secure Freight Initiative (SFI) and has initiated a pilot program at seven seaports. This testimony discusses challenges related to the SFI pilot program and implementation of the requirement to scan 100 percent of U.S.-bound container cargo. This testimony is based on GAO products issued from July 2003 through April 2008 and ongoing work. To conduct this work, GAO reviewed reports from CBP and international partners on SFI and other container security programs, and interviewed CBP and foreign customs officials. GAO recommended in prior reports that DHS develop human capital plans, enhance performance measures, and gather information on the efficacy of host government systems. DHS generally concurred with our recommendations and is taking steps to address them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
Caldwell, Stephen L.
2008-06-12
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Presidential Decision Directive 62: Protection Against Unconventional Threats to the Homeland and Americans Overseas
From the Document: "In 1995, I reaffirmed and elaborated United States counterterrorism policy in PDD-39. [Presidential Decision Directive] That policy directive remains valid. Because of our military superiority, potential enemies, be they nations, terrorist groups, or criminal organizations, are increasingly likely to attack us in unconventional ways. Adversaries will be tempted to exploit vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure, impede continuity of government operations, use weapons of mass destruction against civilians in our cities, disrupt our transportation systems, attack us when we gather as a community at special events, and prey on our citizens overseas. As this cluster of threats matures in the coming century, I am determined that we will be prepared to deter them, prevent them, or, if necessary, limit the damage they can inflict. Success requires that we recognize the common nature of these threats, the need for an integrated response, and, in the case of critical infrastructure protection, the importance of a public-private partnership."
United States. White House Office
1998-05-22
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Condition of Our Nation's Infrastructure and Proposals for Needed Improvements, Hearing Before the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, United States Senate, One Hundred Tenth Congress,Second Session on Additional Investment Programs that are Designed to Leverage Public and Private Investment in Infrastructure, Tuesday, March 11, 2008
From the opening statement of Christopher J. Dodd: "We gather here this morning to examine the issue of paramount importance: the condition of our Nation's infrastructure and proposals for needed improvements to it. I believe this is an urgent priority for our Nation for two fundamental reasons: first, because the safety and health of all Americans is directly and adversely affected by the deterioration of our roads, bridges, mass transit, drinking water, wastewater removal, and other vital components of our national structure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 14,000 Americans die each year at least in part because our roads and bridges are crumbling before our very eyes. Congestion on our roads causes tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants to be pumped into the atmosphere day after day. These emissions compromise the health of children and adults and contribute to global warming, which poses immense risks to the future of all humans." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher J. Dodd, Richard Shelby, Robert Menendez, Chuck Hagel, Thomas R. Carper, Bob Corker, David G. Mongan, Tim Johnson, Mike Crapo, Felix G. Rohatyn, Tracy Wolstencroft, Ron Blackwell, anet F. Kavinoky, and Marc H. Morial.
United States. Government Printing Office
2010
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National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin [November 10, 2021]
This is the November 10, 2021 National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin released by the Department of Homeland Security. From the Document: "The Secretary of Homeland Security has issued an updated National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS) Bulletin regarding the current heightened threat environment across the United States. The Homeland continues to face a diverse and challenging threat environment as it approaches several religious holidays and associated mass gatherings that in the past have served as potential targets for acts of violence. These threats include those posed by individuals and small groups engaged in violence, including domestic violent extremists (DVEs) and those inspired or motivated by foreign terrorists and other malign foreign influences. These actors continue to exploit online forums to influence and spread violent extremist narratives and promote violent activity. The ongoing global pandemic continues to exacerbate these threats, in part due to perceived government overreach in implementation of public health safety measures. Further, foreign terrorist organizations and DVEs continue to attempt to inspire potential followers to conduct attacks in the United States, including by exploiting recent events in Afghanistan. As of November 10, 2021, DHS is not aware of an imminent and credible threat to a specific location in the United States. [...] [1] Be prepared for emergency situations and remain aware of circumstances that may place you at risk. [2] Maintain digital media literacy [hyperlink] to recognize and build resilience to false and harmful narratives. [3] Make note of your surroundings and the nearest security personnel. [4] Government agencies will provide details about emerging threats as information is identified. Listen to local authorities and public safety officials."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2021-11-10
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S. Rept. 106-3: Committee Activities, Special Report, February 3, 1999
"The Committee took a number of important steps to improve the country's ability to collect, analyze, and produce intelligence about America's adversaries. The Committee achieved strong consensus that timely intelligence is essential for sound policy and military success. Legislation reported by the Committee stressed the intelligence targets that threaten America today and tomorrow, setting guideposts toward future technologies for collecting and processing intelligence. Funds were authorized above the President's budget request because the Committee believes there are areas where additional resources are needed in this post-Cold War period of uncertainty. While the mission of U.S. intelligence gathering organizations has not changed, the areas on which they must focus have become more diverse and challenging. For that reason, the Committee concentrated additional resources in the five areas of counternarcotics, counter-terrorism, counter-proliferation, counter-intelligence, and effective covert action. The Committee also focused on a series of critical challenges facing the Intelligence Community, including faulty analysis that led to a failure to forecast India's nuclear tests, an aging U.S. signals intelligence (SIGINT) collection system, the requirement for more effective tools for countering terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, and the Clandestine Service's eroding technical competence."
United States. Government Printing Office
1999-02-03
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National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin [June 7, 2022]
This is the June 7, 2022 National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin released by the Department of Homeland Security, set to expire on November 30, 2022. From the Summary: "The United States remains in a heightened threat environment, as noted in the previous Bulletin, and several recent attacks have highlighted the dynamic and complex nature of the threat environment. In the coming months, we expect the threat environment to become more dynamic as several high-profile events could be exploited to justify acts of violence against a range of possible targets. These targets could include public gatherings, faith-based institutions, schools, racial and religious minorities, government facilities and personnel, U.S. critical infrastructure, the media, and perceived ideological opponents. Threat actors have recently mobilized to violence due to factors such as personal grievances, reactions to current events, and adherence to violent extremist ideologies, including racially or ethnically motivated or anti-government/anti-authority violent extremism. Foreign adversaries--including terrorist organizations and nation state adversaries--also remain intent on exploiting the threat environment to promote or inspire violence, sow discord, or undermine U.S. democratic institutions. We continue to assess that the primary threat of mass casualty violence in the United States stems from lone offenders and small groups motivated by a range of ideological beliefs and/or personal grievances."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2022-06-07
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Nonprofit Security Grant Program: Summary and Potential Issues for Congress [February 18, 2022]
From the Introduction: "On February 7, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a National Terrorism Advisory System [hyperlink] bulletin warning of credible domestic terrorism threats. Specifically, the bulletin identified 'continued calls for violence directed at U.S. critical infrastructure; soft targets including mass gatherings; faith-based institutions, such as churches, synagogues, and mosques; institutions of higher education; racial and religious minorities; government facilities and personnel, including law enforcement and the military; the media; and perceived ideological opponents.' This comes at a time of increased congressional interest in the security of religious and other nonprofit institutions following the recent attack on a synagogue in Dallas, Texas [hyperlink]. This interest is part of a continued policy debate on homeland security and preparedness for domestic terrorism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Reese, Shawn
2022-02-18
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Strategies for the Integration of Medical and Health Representation within Law Enforcement Intelligence Fusion Centers
From the thesis abstract: "Terrorism-related intelligence gathering, analysis and information dissemination would be improved and enhanced by including a medical and health element in law enforcement intelligence fusion centers. The lack of medical representation and participation in intelligence analysis and information dissemination has been an obstacle to effective terrorism prevention, preparedness and response. Terrorist acts, including weapons of mass destruction, would have a significant and profound impact on the medical and health community. The medical and health community should work more closely with the intelligence community and be privy to terrorism-related information and alerts. The three areas of implementation to be examined include the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, state level fusion centers and local (city, county, regional) terrorism early-warning groups. The Terrorism Liaison Officer Program will be examined as an option for medical personnel to become involved in anti-terrorism efforts. Literature on the subject shows overwhelming support for the involvement of non-law enforcement public safety representation, including the medical and health communities, in intelligence fusion centers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Morrissey, James F.
2007-03
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Proliferation Complexity: The Intersection of Policy, Operations, Media, Intelligence, and Science
"From 7-9 July 2009, government officials, civilian analysts, military officers, academics, and security experts gathered at the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School for the sixth annual Monterey Proliferation Seminar. The seminar addressed the topic of 'Proliferation Complexity: The Intersection of Policy, Operations, Media, Intelligence, and Science.' The Defense Threat Reduction Agency's Advanced Systems and Concepts Office (DTRA-ASCO) sponsored the event, which was hosted by the Naval Postgraduate School's (NPS) Center for Contemporary Conflict (CCC) in cooperation with the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS). This report is intended to serve as an aide memoir for participants of the conference, and presents the range of issues discussed and the nature of those discussions. The conference was held under the 'Chatham House Rule,' meaning that individuals spoke on a not-for-attribution basis, in order to encourage lively discussion and debate. The report therefore does not include all presentations, particularly those that contained classified material. Panel summaries are intended to provide an overall sense of the discussion topics, but do not comprehensively address the topics discussed or indicate agreement on the listed topics amongst conference participants. Two graduate students from the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, Daniel Cunningham and Daniel Johnson, were the rapporteurs for the conference and compiled this report." Note: This document has been added to the Homeland Security Digital Library in agreement with the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD (PASCC) as part of the PASCC collection. Permission to download and/or retrieve this resource has been obtained through PASCC.
United States. Defense Threat Reduction Agency; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Contemporary Conflict; James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies
2009
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Military Technology: New Challenges for US National Security Strategy
"As demonstrated during the Gulf War, advanced military technology plays an important role in both our strategy and current force structure. The war also underscored the need to address the growing proliferation of weapons technology in the Third World. In March 1991, Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney highlighted the technology issue in stating 'we are on the verge of a revolutionary period in military technology, with leading nations achieving major breakthroughs and smaller nations gathering access to weapons of mass destruction.' This paper will focus on the current role of technology in US strategy, technology issues from the Gulf War, and future military technology challenges for the United States."
National War College (U.S.)
Elliott, Carol
1992-04
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Serial No. 109-90: Evolving Counterterrorism Strategy: Hearing before the Subcommittee on International Terrorism and Nonproliferation of the Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives, One Hundred Ninth Congress, September 29, 2005
From the opening statement of Edward R. Royce: "Today we will hear about the quickly evolving terrorist threat. The 9/11 Commission usefully observed that our enemy is twofold, the embattled al-Qaeda network and those who have embraced al-Qaeda's message. The first enemy is weakened, as they say, but continues to pose a grave threat. The second enemy is gathering and will menace Americans and American interests long after Osama bin Laden and his cohorts are killed or captured. This is a war on many fronts. Some fronts can be pointed to on a map of Africa with its vast ungoverned areas to Western Europe with its disaffected Muslim youth. This is an informational technology front where the enemy has excelled, rallying troops and winning converts to their cause...We should not be afraid to listen either, as we plan on doing today, because no one has all of the answers. However, given the proliferation of WMD technology, coupled with terrorists desire to kill, the window for developing and executing the right counterterrorism strategy may be closing, requiring urgent efforts on all our parts." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Edward R. Royce, Tim Roemer, Arnaud de Borchgrave, Bruce Hoffman, B. Phil, D. Phil, and Dana Dillon.
United States. Government Printing Office
2005
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U.S. Department of Energy Inspection Report: Alleged Violations of Executive Order 12333, U.S. Intelligence Activities - Improper Retention and Dissemination of Information on U.S. Persons
"The collection, retention and dissemination of intelligence data involving U.S. Persons is generally governed by Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 12333, United States Intelligence Activities, July 2008, as amended. U.S. Persons include United States citizens, aliens known to be permanent resident aliens, or companies incorporated in the United States. The E.O., which emphasizes protecting the legal rights of all U.S. Persons, authorizes Federal entities to collect information to protect the Nation against threats of espionage, terrorism and the use of weapons of mass destruction. Within the Department of Energy, the Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence (CI) is responsible for collecting, reviewing, analyzing, investigating and acting on concerns ranging from foreign intelligence to potential and actual terrorist activities. As part of its process, CI established what it termed 'SPOT Reports' as an urgent communications system to capture intelligence data of national-level significance (emphasis supplied). The stated purpose was to: (1) improve the sharing of such information; and, (2) enhance incident awareness. The Department's procedures regarding treatment of information it collects on U.S. Persons require that unless a foreign nexus can be established, such information is not to be retained beyond established timeframes. The Office of Inspector General received an allegation that the rights of U.S. Persons had been violated during the course of current Department intelligence gathering efforts. In response, we initiated a review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegation."
United States. Department of Energy. Office of Inspector General
2011-07
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The Exchange, Issue 3, 2016
"The third issue of the ASPR TRACIE [Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange] newsletter, The Exchange, focuses on healthcare facility preparedness for--and response to--no-notice events. Active shooter rumors and actual mass shootings have increased in frequency (e.g., at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, a county facility in San Bernardino, and during a protest in Dallas) and have emphasized the need for healthcare facilities to make no-notice events a substantive part of their all-hazards planning. ASPR TRACIE had the honor of working closely with subject matter experts to gather the most current information on this critical topic."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response
2016
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Nonresidential Building Fires (2014-2016)
"Each year, from 2014 to 2016, fire departments responded to an estimated 100,300 fires in nonresidential buildings across the nation. These fires resulted in an annual average of 90 deaths; 1,350 injuries; and $2.4 billion in property losses. Although national estimates for 2014 to 2016 show that nonresidential building fires represented only 8 percent of all fires, 3 percent of fire deaths and 9 percent of fire injuries, they accounted for 20 percent of the total dollar loss from all fires. Nonresidential building fires can also have a significant economic impact on a community as they may lead to lost jobs and closed businesses. In addition, because many nonresidential buildings are places where a large number of people gather, they hold the greatest potential for a mass casualty incident to occur."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2018-07
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Nonresidential Building Fires (2009-2011)
"From 2009 to 2011, fire departments responded to an estimated 86,500 fires in nonresidential buildings each year across the nation. These fires resulted in an annual average of 85 deaths, 1,325 injuries, and $2.6 billion in property losses. Although national estimates for 2009 to 2011 show that nonresidential building fires represented only 6 percent of all reported fires, 3 percent of fire deaths and 8 percent of fire injuries, they accounted for 22 percent of the total dollar loss from all fires. Nonresidential building fires can also have a significant economic impact on a community as they may lead to lost jobs and closed businesses. In addition, because many nonresidential buildings are places where a large number of people gather, they hold the greatest potential for a mass casualty incident to occur. 'Nonresidential buildings,' a subset of nonresidential structures, includes enclosed structures and fixed portable or mobile structures. The majority of nonresidential fires, deaths and injuries occur in buildings, and that is where prevention efforts are most often targeted. Specifically, nonresidential buildings include assembly places; eating and drinking establishments; educational and institutional facilities; stores and offices; detached garages; basic industry facilities; manufacturing facilities; storage facilities; as well as outside and other miscellaneous nonresidential buildings. They also include institutions such as prisons, nursing homes, juvenile care facilities and hospitals, though many people may temporarily reside there for short (or long) periods of time."
United States Fire Administration; United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2013-06
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Information Management and the Biological Warfare Threat
This thesis explores the implications of information management of government-funded projects on national security objectives. A case study of the Human Genome Project is used to illustrate the risk of information transfer between government sources and private industry and the implications posed to the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction. The issue of risk in information management is approached by developing three theoretical paradigms: the scientific paradigm, the business paradigm and the security paradigm. The findings of this thesis demonstrate an information sharing paradigm favoring full and open access to scientific data currently being practiced by the U.S. Human Genome Project. The information gathered was acquired via open source information pertaining to the Human Genome Project and related initiatives. The purpose of this thesis was to raise awareness of the dangers in distributing information, funded and supplied by the United States. In addition, recommendations were made to increase the involvement of medical professionals and scientists in the non-proliferation efforts the U.S. is currently involved in.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Martinez, II, Antonio
2002-03
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Best Practices in Anti-Terrorism Security (BPATS) for Sports and Entertainment Venues
From the Document: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is continuing its efforts to develop knowledge products that will help security professionals implement security programs designed to prevent and defend against acts of terrorism at mass gathering venues. In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the private sector expressed considerable reluctance to deploy security technologies and services in civilian settings due to the enormous potential liability risks in the event those deployments were impacted by an act of terrorism. As the private sector owns and operates most of the Nation's critical infrastructure, this reluctance created the potential for under-investment in and under-deployment of necessary security technologies and capabilities."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2018-09
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Gathering Biological Warfare Storm -- Chapter 10: A Biological Warfare Wake-Up Call: Prevalent Myths and Likely Scenarios
Chapter 10 in the collection of essays entitled "The Gathering Bioligical Warfare Storm" addresses the myths and scenarios associated with biological warfare: "The likelihood that biological weapons will be used against our nation continues to rise. Many in the recent past have considered the talk of such horrific weapons as only hype to justify funding for certain programs for DOD, other governmental agencies, or government contractors. The stark reality of September 11, 2001 when hijacked airliners were used as missiles, and the anthrax attacks that followed, have changed that perception for many. However, since we have not yet suffered a mass casualty biological warfare (BW) event there are others that still dismiss the scenario as highly unlikely. If this view is persuasive to U.S. decision-makers it will impede the nation's ability to prepare for or prevent such an event. Until very recently, the lack of focus on this subject had resulted in a lack of appropriate funding and accountability. There are six important myths that have caused some senior military and other government leaders to develop an inappropriate view of this threat. It would be valuable to those that recognize the nation's vulnerability to BW to know the most likely scenarios we should expect to encounter. Such informed speculations and visualization allows us to prepare before the event or possibly even to prevent it. This chapter describes six common myths about BW and three of the most likely future BW scenarios we may face."
USAF Counterproliferation Center
Ainscough, Michael J.
2002-03
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U.S. National Intelligence: An Overview 2013
"According to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), the terms 'National Intelligence' and 'intelligence related to national security' refer to all intelligence, regardless of the source from which it is derived and including information gathered within or outside the United States, 1) That pertains, as determined to be consistent with any guidance issued by the President, to more than one U.S. Government agency; and 2) That involves: a) Threats to the U.S., its people, property, or interests; b) The development, proliferation, or use of weapons of mass destruction; or c) Any other matter bearing on U.S. national or homeland security. The U.S. Government uses intelligence to improve and more fully understand the consequences of its national security decisions. Intelligence informs policy decisions, military actions, international negotiations, and interactions with working-level contacts in foreign countries. In some circumstances, intelligence can also aid the efforts of homeland security providers and first responders."
United States. Office of the Director of National Intelligence
2013
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Today's FBI Facts & Figures 2013-2014
From the text: "The FBI today is considered one of the world's premier security and crime-fighting forces. Reporting to both the attorney general and director of national intelligence, the Bureau has dual responsibilities as a law enforcement and intelligence agency. It gathers evidence and solves cases using cutting edge and time-tested investigative techniques. At the same time, it collects, analyzes, synthesizes, and shares vital information and intelligence with everyone from national policy makers to local partners in order to counter threats and foil crimes and attacks. With a foot in the realms of both law enforcement and intelligence, the FBI is able to get its arms around emerging threats and neutralize them through arrests and targeted, often multi-agency operations. The FBI's investigative responsibilities are both considerable and far-reaching. A key part of our country's national security team, the Bureau addresses the most significant threats facing the U.S.--terrorism, espionage, weapons of mass destruction, and cyber crime. At the same time, it plays an essential role in protecting local communities, from rescuing kidnapped children to dismantling street gangs, from catching murderers and serial killers to stopping scams that raid the pocketbooks of the American people. On any given day, the FBI is rooting out public corruption, recovering stolen art, protecting corporate trade secrets, taking down organized crime networks, and much more."
United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation
2013
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Efforts to Assess Chemical Security Risk and Gather Feedback on Facility Outreach Can be Strengthened, Report to Congressional Requesters
"Facilities that produce, store, or use hazardous chemicals could be of interest to terrorists intent on using toxic chemicals to inflict mass casualties in the United States. As required by statute, DHS issued regulations that establish standards for the security of high-risk chemical facilities. DHS established the CFATS [Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards] program to assess the risk posed by these facilities and inspect them to ensure compliance with DHS standards. ISCD [Infrastructure Security Compliance Division], which manages the program, places high risk facilities in risk-based tiers and is to conduct inspections after it approves facility security plans. A November 2011 ISCD internal memorandum raised concerns about ISCD's ability to fulfill its mission. GAO [Government Accountability Office] assessed the extent to which DHS has (1) assigned chemical facilities to tiers and assessed its approach for doing so, (2) revised its process to review facility security plans, and (3) communicated and worked with owners and operators to improve security. GAO reviewed DHS reports and plans on risk assessments, security plan reviews, and facility outreach and interviewed DHS officials. GAO also received input from 11 trade associations representing chemical facilities, about ISCD outreach. The results of this input are not generalizable but provide insights. […] GAO recommends that DHS enhance its risk assessment approach to incorporate all elements of risk, conduct a peer review after doing so, and explore opportunities to gather systematic feedback on facility outreach. DHS concurred with the recommendations."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-04
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Needs to Improve Its Risk Assessments and Outreach for Chemical Facilities, Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives
"Facilities that produce, store, or use hazardous chemicals could be of interest to terrorists intent on using toxic chemicals to inflict mass casualties in the United States. As required by statute, DHS issued regulations that establish standards for the security of high-risk chemical facilities. DHS established the CFATS [Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards] program to assess the risk posed by these facilities and inspect them to ensure compliance with DHS standards. ISCD [Infrastructure Security Compliance Division], which manages the program, places high risk facilities in risk-based tiers and is to conduct inspections after it approves facility security plans. This statement summarizes the results of GAO's [Government Accountability Office] April 2013 report on the extent to which DHS (1) assigned chemical facilities to tiers and assessed its approach for doing so, (2) revised its process to review facility security plans, and (3) communicated and worked with owners and operators to improve security. GAO reviewed DHS reports and plans on risk assessments, security plan reviews, and facility outreach and interviewed DHS officials. GAO also received input from 11 trade associations representing chemical facilities, about ISCD outreach. The results of this input are not generalizable but provide insights. […] In its April 2013 report, GAO recommended that DHS enhance its risk assessment approach to incorporate all elements of risk, conduct a peer review after doing so, and explore opportunities to gather systematic feedback on facility outreach. DHS concurred with the recommendations and has actions underway to address them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2013-08-01
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Averting the Prevalence and Consequences of Mass Shooting and Urban Gun Violence
"America has reached a watershed moment, a crucial dividing point to define a strategy that will reduce the risks of gun violence. No one who has heard of the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and no one who is aware of the daily murder statistics in cities such as New Orleans or Chicago, can ignore the chokehold that murder, often committed with assault weapons, has on American society. People in schools, streets, political gatherings and cinema have been gunned down with weapons spewing more than 600 rounds a minute. While the problem we are facing is clear, the solutions are complicated. The recommendations we will discuss here address the problems we face and the solutions we need to be a life-loving and safe society. […] We recommend enactment of the Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education Act (Youth PROMISE Act). The Youth PROMISE Act provides resources to state and local governments for comprehensive, evidenced-based strategies and programs to prevent juvenile crime. It is designed to measurably reduce the incidence of mass shootings and urban gun violence. […] The Youth PROMISE Act addresses both forms of violence by defining broad objectives in four distinct areas: 1. Enable communities to save lives, increase safety, and save money through broad public health efforts to reduce the risk of violence in all forms. 2. Enable communities to respond to youth who present the highest potential risk. 3. Enable communities to respond to the aftermath of gun violence incidents. 4. Establish quantifiable performance measures for the Youth PROMISE Act. Objectives to be measured will include: [a] Increase resources available to communities to prevent and reduce gun violence. [b] Decrease injuries and deaths caused by gun violence. [c] Decrease the direct and collateral costs of gun violence. [d] Analyze cost saving associated with violence prevention efforts."
United States. Congress. House. Committee on the Judiciary
Scharf, Peter, 1945-; Calderon-Abbo, Jose; Gordon, James S. (James Samuel) . . .
2013-01-22
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: Observations on DHS Efforts to Implement and Manage its Chemical Security Program, Statement of Stephen L. Caldwell, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony Before the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senate
"Facilities that produce, store, or use hazardous chemicals could be of interest to terrorists intent on using toxic chemicals to inflict mass casualties in the United States. As required by statute, DHS issued regulations establishing standards for the security of these facilities. DHS established the CFATS [Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards] program to assess risk at facilities covered by the regulations and inspect them to ensure compliance. This statement provides observations on DHS efforts related to the CFATS program. It is based on the results of previous GAO [Government Accountability Office] reports issued in July 2012 and April 2013 and a testimony issued in February 2014. In conducting the earlier work, GAO reviewed DHS reports and plans on the program and interviewed DHS officials. […] In a July 2012 report, GAO recommended that DHS measure its performance implementing actions to improve its management of CFATS. In an April 2013 report, GAO recommended that DHS enhance its risk assessment approach to incorporate all elements of risk, conduct a peer review, and gather feedback on its outreach to facilities. DHS concurred and has taken actions or has actions underway to address them."
United States. Government Accountability Office
2014-05-14
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EMR-ISAC: InfoGram 17-12 [April 25, 2012]
This edition provides articles with links on the following topics: "Critical Drug Shortage Affects EMS [Emergency Medical Services] and Public Health," "Wildland Fire Incident Staff Rides," "Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT)," and "New Mass Gathering Resources for Emergency Responders."
Emergency Management and Response-Information Sharing and Analysis Center (U.S.)
2012-04-25
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LLIS.gov Newsletter [February 2009]
This monthly newsletter covers documents related to mass gatherings, highlights a new FEMA-commissioned survey report, reminds users to sign up for external email notifications, lists original posted since the previous newsletter, and covers upcoming outreach events.
Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS); United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2009-02
