Briefing Paper Discussing
Homeland Security for a New Governor

You are the current Director
of Homeland Security for your state, and the new governor has asked you for a
briefing paper on homeland security and how it applies to the state. The governor
is a novice and has no prior knowledge of homeland security.

Since
the governor knows nothing about the topic, you should briefly bring him/her up
to speed on the history and concept of homeland security at both the national
and state level. Remember that we are living in a dynamic threat environment.

Describe to the governor the dynamic threat environment in your state regarding
all hazards. Identify in a generic manner the critical infrastructures of
concern within your state. (You do not need to list individual locations.)
Also, discuss hazards your state may face.

Explain to the governor how
threat analysis, indication systems, and warnings work along with the use of
intelligence in this process. Also, describe the types of resources that are available
to the governor.

Next, discuss enabling
legislation, policies, and requirements that will help guide the governor
during all phases of emergency management. For instance, when and how will the
governor know when to declare a state of emergency or a disaster? Likewise, how
would the governor go about asking for federal assistance? Make sure you
explain legal and functional responsibilities. Remember that under NIMS there
are ESFs. The governor will need to know the potential threats, types of infrastructures
susceptible to threats, legal and functional responsibilities, and what
resources are available or needed.

Finally, explain to the
governor the various components of the homeland security structure such as the
NRF, NIMS, ICS, UC, etc. Consider constructing visuals (tables, graphs, or
charts) to help illustrate how the system works. When you are done preparing
this document, go back, reread it, and ask yourself if you have provided the
governor with a document that will prepare him/her to successfully carry out
his or her duties with respect to homeland security.

Note:It would be wise not to reinvent the wheel
here. See what already exists in your state. Check the state websites and
consider speaking to those who are involved in homeland security at the present
time.

Your
briefing paper should be a minimum of 5-8 pages long, but can be longer if you
wish, and in APA format. Cite at least seven credible outside sources for
support. Please note that more sources will enhance the quality of your response
and provide a better understanding from which to make you arguments or points.

Must be in third person, even though the
assignment instructions may be asking you your views or perspectives. To do
this, write from the perspective of a scholar who observes and researches about
the particular topic. Therefore, first person should be avoided.