War on the Homeland

Homeland Security Tactics and Training

Defending America: Redefining the Conceptual Borders of Homeland Defense: Terrorism, Asymmetric Warfare and Nuclear Weapons, Final Draft, https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/s3fs-public/legacy_files/files/media/csis/pubs/terrorasymw%26chem.pdf

NCJ Number: 190334
Author(s): Anthony H. Cordesman
Date Published: February 2001
Length: 41 pages
Annotation: This document discusses nuclear and radiological weapons as means of attack.
Abstract
A number of countries other than the United States are conducting nuclear weapons research efforts, have carried out enough nuclear research to deploy weapons relatively quickly, or could build a nuclear weapon if they could find a source of fissile materials. As a result of this effort, homeland defense must deal with the cumulative probability of nuclear attack over at least a 25-year period. There are many uncertainties associated with the employment of nuclear weapons in covert, proxy, or terrorist/extremist attacks on the United States. Two key questions shaping the nuclear threat are whether state actors could obtain such weapons and would take the risk of using them covertly or giving them to a proxy, and whether terrorists could obtain such weapons or obtain the fissile material they need to make such weapons. The basic design features and technology needed for nuclear weapons are well understood. Production of fissile material is probably impossible for most terrorist and extremist movements. It is hard to make specific recommendations about how to respond to nuclear attacks because the needed planning and technical assessments have not yet been performed. Radiological weapons that employ conventional explosives or other means to scatter radioactive material are another important means of attack. Unlike nuclear weapons, they spread radioactive material contaminating personnel, equipment, facilities, and terrain. This material acts as a toxic chemical to which exposure eventually proves harmful or fatal. The effectiveness of these weapons is controversial, but the likelihood of use by terrorists is higher than with nuclear weapons. The material could be spread by “dirty bombs” designed to spread radioactive material through passive (aerosol) or active (explosive) means. Additional study is needed of the different effects and risks of radiological weapons. 3 tables, 2 charts.

Corporate Author: Ctr for Strategic and International Studies
Address: 1800 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006, United States
Sale Source: Ctr for Strategic and International Studies
Address: 1800 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20006, United States
Publication Format: Document
Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
Language: English
Country: United States of America
Downloaded September 19, 2001

what are training and tactics used by homeland security, fusion centers and commuity watch

Homeland Security (DHS), fusion centers, and community watch groups employ a layered, intelligence-driven approach combining advanced technology, data analysis, and proactive surveillance. Key methods include

Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR), intelligence fusion, cybersecurity integration, and community-based crime prevention training to identify, prevent, and respond to threats.

Homeland Security (DHS) Training & Tactics: DHS focuses on nationwide threat prevention through specialized training and operational tactics:

• Training: FEMA's National Training and Education Division (NTED) provides courses on disaster response, critical infrastructure protection, and counter-terrorism.}

• Tactics: Utilization of intelligence analysis, border security measures, cybersecurity defense, and structured, often coercive, interior enforcement practices.

• Programs: TRIPwire (Technical Resource for Incident Prevention) for explosive threat identification and 28 CFR Part 23 training for intelligence systems.
  

Fusion Centers Training & Tactics: Fusion centers act as focal points for sharing, analyzing, and acting on information between state, local, and federal entities:

• Training: Criminal intelligence training, privacy/civil liberties protection workshops, and analytical skill building.}

• Tactics: The Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) process, combining local data with federal intelligence to map regional threats, and integrating cybersecurity with physical infrastructure protection.}

• Focus Areas: Public health integration, cybercrime prevention, and active shooter preparedness.
  

Community Watch Training & Tactics: Community watch programs, often supported by local law enforcement, focus on grassroots observation and prevention:

• Training: Neighborhood watch training sessions, risk assessment training, and crime prevention techniques provided by local police departments or security firms.}

• Tactics: Active observation of surroundings (reporting "see something, say something"), securing residential perimeters, and building communication networks with local law enforcement.}

• Field Training: Detailed operational training, including specific post orders and reporting procedures for security officers.
  

These entities collaborate to create a comprehensive safety network where local, community-level observations are fed into regional and national intelligence systems.

What have TI's seen these agencies and people do?