Summary

Homeland Security: Key Elements to Unify Efforts Are Underway but Uncertainty Remains

GAO-02-610  June 7, 2002

Full Report (PDF, 34 pages)   

The issue of homeland security crosscuts numerous policy domains, impinging on the expertise and resources of every level of government, the private sector, and the international community. GAO found that although combating terrorism crossed organizational boundaries, it did not sufficiently coordinate the activities of the 40 federal entities involved, resulting in duplication and gaps in coverage. The homeland security efforts of public and private entities do not yet represent a unified approach, although key supporting elements for such an approach are emerging. Progress has been made in developing a framework to support a more unified effort. Other remaining key elements--a national strategy, establishment of public and private sector partnerships, and the definition of key terms--are either not in place yet or are evolving. At the same time, key terms, such as "homeland security," have not been defined officially; consequently, certain organizational, management, and budgetary decisions cannot currently be made across agencies. In the interim, the potential exists for an uncoordinated approach to homeland security that may lead to duplication of efforts or gaps in coverage, misallocation of resources, and inadequate monitoring of expenditures.

Subject Terms

Combating terrorism
Emergency preparedness
Homeland security
Interagency relations
Intergovernmental relations
National defense operations
Strategic planning
Terrorism
DOJ Five-Year Interagency Counterterrorism and Technology Crime Plan
FAA Air Marshal Program
FEMA Federal Response Plan
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Noble Edge