Biological Concerns
Develop an essay that fully responds to the following prompt: Biological Concerns Prompt: As noted in your Midterm, various strategic challenges were identified and found within the Department of Homeland Security’s 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Review. For this assignment, you are to select one of these six listed risks to focus upon. Regarding the strategic challenge you have selected, explain the nature of the threat and the specific challenges it poses to the nation. Also, fully explain what steps the Federal government has/is implementing in order to meet this challenge. (Note: The six strategic challenges are: The terrorist threat, cyber threats, biological concerns, nuclear terrorism, transnational criminal organizations and natural hazards. Do not confuse these with the Department of Homeland Security’s five missions)
Sample Solution
The risk I have selected is Biological Concerns. This challenge, posed by biological threats to the nation’s security, has grown drastically in recent years due to advances in science and technology that make it easier for malicious actors to acquire and modify bioagents into weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These agents are capable of spreading quickly and causing devastating consequences on a global scale. In response to this threat, the Federal government has implemented various measures designed to protect against, detect, respond to and recover from any potential biological attack or pandemic event.
Specifically, DHS has established an integrated approach through the National Biosurveillance Integration Center (NBIC) designed to detect signs of a potential bioterrorism event. This center works with public health experts and federal partners in order to provide early detection capabilities at multiple levels. Additionally, DHS has partnered with local law enforcement agencies across the country in order gain awareness about perceived threats within their jurisdictions as well as inform them about protective measures they can take if needed .
Furthermore, DHS provides training and resources for state governments regarding biosafety standards including proper management of hazardous materials as well as emergency preparedness programs that are intended to help minimize damage caused by a biologic attack or outbreak. For example “the BioWatch program offers states assistance in acquiring necessary equipment such as air samplers which can be used for collecting samples from outdoor environments” (Department of Homeland Security nd.). Finally DHS has developed strategic plans such as the Strategic National Stockpile initiative which “provides ready access for use during both naturally occurring disease outbreaks and intentional releases” (Uscspa 2014). These plans coordinate existing resources amongst government departments such as Defense Production Act authorities in order ensure essential needs are met during any major disaster situation .
Overall , The Department Of Homeland Security is actively working towards mitigating possible risks associated with biological concerns though effective coordination between federal agencies , localized initiatives , research investments ,and emergency planning strategies .
