All questions must be done on separate word documents with references

Question 1

Watch the seven-minute interview with retired four-star General Jack Keane. Keane is interviewed by Paul Gigot on the Journal Editorial Report on current Global Security events. 

Read the House Homeland Security snapshots, the first released early 2016, the second released May 2017, both worthy of discussion as we wrap up EM 102. Take a look at this snapshot (see Course Materials). Draw some conclusions of whether current homeland security policy is consistent or inconsistent with findings in the snapshot. How are your conclusions influenced by the analysis discussed presented by Keane as it relates to homeland security?

Also, consider the snapshot in the context of the backlash against law enforcement this past year whether it is shootings, such as Dallas, or the public outrage against aggressive community policing actions intended to protect neighborhoods but perceived otherwise (ie. New York City). Whether it is Islamist terrorist or police shootings, both are attacks against our frontline of homeland security defense.

Are new threats emerging that can undermine homeland security in your state? Jurisdiction?

Discuss whether you would do anything differently at your state level homeland security department as a result of these findings.

Question 2

In Chapter 15, Oliver, W.M., Marion, N.E., & Hill, J.B. (2015) suggest that Homeland Security is vulnerable to the "Issue Attention Cycle" (Downs, 1972) and that the political environment contributes to the public's declining level of interest in securing the homeland as funding levels are cut across the board.

Review the Oliver, et. al. (2015) reference and then read the article by Anthony Downs (1972) to gain perspective on their thesis. Consider your study of homeland security and note gaps that you have either experienced or are now aware of and use it as a case study. Apply Downs' five stages of the "Issue Attention Cycle" and complete an analysis of your selected topic in a three to four page essay.

Your topics can be discipline-centric (i.e., public health funding or declining manpower pool), supplies (vaccine production readiness), or hazard-related (private sector dam vulnerability). Equally, topic selection can target a domain as described by Oliver, et. al., (2015) in Chapter 15 such as illegal immigration and the border. The topic could also apply to public complacency but define your topic carefully and scholarly. Use references to support topic selection.

For example, mental health and institutions peaked in the 1970 - 1980s but since then federal funding to support programs and infrastructure was cut dramatically. As a result, treatment centers are not as prolific as they once were, actually gone, (per capita) and citizens with mental health issues are represented among those who commit horrific terrorist's acts against fellow citizens.

As the public's attention for mental health disappeared, so did the financial support from elected officials. As a result, society is now presented with a different mix of social problems described as lone-wolf terrorism, extremism and self-radicalization.

This assignment should take 3 to 5 hours to complete. It is valued at 50 points for grading.

Prepare a three- to four-page paper to share your analysis of homeland security and its vulnerability to the "Issue Attention Cycle" as described by Downs (1972). Cite references that you use in APA Style. When using APA for this assignment, no need for a cover page or abstract. Do maintain 1" margins, use third person and include references. Be sure to address these questions:

Briefly review the five stages of Downs "Issue Attention Cycle."

Introduce your selected topic and why it fits as a study for the Issue Attention Cycle.

Conduct an analysis of your topic, comparing it to the five stages of Down's cycle.

Conclude your analysis by summarizing what stage of the cycle your topic fits into as a result of your analysis. Support your position with source references.

Reading

Oliver, W.M., Marion, N.E., & Hill, J.B. (2015). Introduction to Homeland Security. MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Chapter 15.

Downs, A., (1972). "Up and Down with Ecology: The Issue Attention Cycle." National Affairs.

Question 3

The purpose of this assignment is to explore career opportunities in homeland security and to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Read the Bureau of Labor brochure on "Careers in Homeland Security." Explore the Department of Homeland Security website and other relevant websites, and find descriptions of jobs that interest you. Select a career opportunity that requires a Bachelor's level college degree and complete the written assignment.

Write a brief description of the career opportunity you chose.

What do you find interesting about this job?

How does your knowledge and experience match up with the posted job requirements?

Reading

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006). Careers in Homeland Security.