NCJ Number
212322
Date Published
2005
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses new partnerships for the development of homeland security policy development and application that involve government, the private sector, and higher education; a case study of such a partnership is provided.
Abstract
The main sections of the chapter discuss shifts in disaster management strategies since the September 11th terrorist attacks, changes in technology, partnerships with universities, and partnering with private industry. Since September 11th, one of the shifts in disaster management strategies has been toward governments being more proactive than reactive. Other changes have involved a focus on partnerships instead of single-agency planning and responses and a shift from strategies based in a single science to those that draw on multiple disciplines. Changes in technology, particularly in the areas of communication and information, have facilitated interagency operations. Such technology transfer has fueled collaboration with university-based research programs and private industry involved in the technology applications. This has helped link research advances to the practice of emergency management. The case study presented in this chapter involved a partnership that included the city of Kenner, LA, a university, and a private company in an effort to prepare for potential threats following September 11th. The project involved three major components: identification of the vulnerable facilities and infrastructure within the city, facilitation of a process for creating an emergency response plan, and the performance of emergency exercises designed to improve the preparedness and response capabilities of Kenner's emergency response agencies. The private company offered consulting in information technology, and the University of New Orleans provided the services of its Center for Hazards Assessment, Response, and Technology. 36 references, 5 notes, and discussion questions