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Homeland Security 5 Year Anniversary 2003 - 2008, One Team, One Mission Securing the Homeland

Fact Sheet: Protecting the Homeland Post September 11

Release Date: September 8, 2006

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken significant action to improve the nation’s security since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. By improving security measures for the nation’s aviation system, implementing measures designed to protect our critical infrastructure, using biometrics to establish and verify identity, strengthening border security, reflecting the lessons-learned from Hurricane Katrina, increasing the nation’s preparedness for a disaster, and enhancing information sharing among federal, state, local, and international partners, DHS is leading the effort to protect the homeland.

Securing the Nation's Transportation System

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established a comprehensive, layered security approach to protecting our nation’s aviation system – including hardened cockpit doors, additional Federal Air Marshals, explosive screening devices and 100% screening for all passengers and checked baggage by a professionally trained workforce – enabling our response to be as flexible, dynamic, adaptable and unpredictable as the enemy we face. Further research is ongoing and new technologies are being developed, tested and deployed to improve aviation, port, rail, bus and mass transit security while focusing resources where the risk is greatest.

  • Training Personnel in Advanced Methods to Detect Explosives and Deter Other Serious Threats:  DHS provides more than 43,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) at over 700 airport security checkpoints and 7,000 baggage screening areas. With nearly 38,000 TSO’s trained in the detection of explosive materials and devices, 425 Explosives Detection Canine Teams active in 80 airports nationwide (representing a 70% increase since 2003), Visible Intermodal Protection Response (VIPR) teams deployed to supplement existing security resources, and thousands of Federal Air Marshals protecting U.S. flights, these layers of security are helping to ensure the safety of the traveling public and prevent any terrorist or criminal activity.
  • Deploying New Technologies to Improve the Screening of Passengers and Baggage:  Approximately 4,000 metal and x-ray detectors are present at 440 airports within the United States to check passengers for harmful materials or weapons that may pose a threat to aviation security. Since 9/11, TSA has also deployed 1,200 Explosive Trace Detector machines to passenger screening checkpoints.
  • 100% of Checked Baggage Now Undergoes Screening:  On 9/11, five percent of checked baggage was screened. Whether checked or taken as a carry-on, TSA now screens 100% of all checked baggage utilizing enhanced technology that quickly determines whether a bag contains a potential threat to aviation security.
  • Securing Air Cargo with a Layered Security Solution:  While promoting the free flow of commerce, DHS has employed a risk-management approach designed to strengthen security across the spectrum of cargo, conveyances and people utilizing different detection methods including enhanced technology, human inspection, and canine teams. TSA has enhanced shipper and supply chain security by pinpointing cargo deemed an elevated risk through prescreening, targeted inspections, and stronger security measures at cargo facilities. DHS is now conducting Air Cargo Explosives Detection Pilot Programs to test ways additional cargo can be screened prior to loading on passenger aircraft.
  • Background Checks for Truckers Hauling HAZMAT:  DHS has checked more than 2.7 million truckers against terrorist watch lists and more than 200,000 persons receiving new licenses or renewing their old commercial driver's licenses. As of August 2006, drivers licensed in Canada or Mexico must also undergo a background check as part of CBP’s Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program before transporting placarded amounts of hazardous materials in the U.S.

Protecting the Nation's Critical Infrastructure

Since 9/11, DHS has taken significant steps to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure and key resources, including our nation’s ports, rail, and mass transit systems. DHS has increased screening of inbound cargo, forged new international partnerships to create global standards in supply chain security, and awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to enhance security and protect our nation’s infrastructure systems.

  • Strengthening Port Security:  The U.S. Coast Guard created port security teams to assess over 60 strategic port locations. USCG also completed special assessments on several classes of vessels including ferries, LNG vessels, certain dangerous cargo barges and single skin tank vessels. The Coast Guard also developed the port security risk assessment tool to assess and establish risk-based profiles. With the President’s FY 2007 Budget request, total DHS funding for port security activities since FY 2004 total nearly $10 billion.
  • Developing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential:  DHS is elevating security at our nation’s ports by requiring a biometric identification card or Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and background check for those individuals requiring daily access to these critical facilities. Extensive background checks have already been completed on over 400,000 port workers. The credential includes a more extensive background check and ensures port workers and vessel operators are fully vetted before they are able to access secure areas.
  • Over $1.1 Billion Has Been Provided to Protect Critical Infrastructure:  Through programs designated for infrastructure protection, DHS has provided more than $1.1 billion to date to strengthen the nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies that could impact this country’s critical infrastructure. By the end of September, DHS will award approximately $373 million more funding for these purposes. These grants are distributed through seven specific programs that allocate funding toward transit security (rail, bus, and ferry systems); buffer zone protection surrounding chemical facilities, nuclear and electric power plants, dams, stadiums, arenas and other high-risk areas; intercity passenger rail operations; our nation’s highways; and critical port infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure Protection Grants: These grants consider threat, vulnerability and consequences, and recognize the unique characteristics of our nation’s seaports, transit systems and other critical infrastructure assets. The FY 06 programs included: $9.5 million for the Intercity Bus Security Grant Program; $4.8 million for the Trucking Security Program; over $168 million for the Port Security Grant Program; over $7.2 million for the Intercity Passenger Rail Security Grant Program; nearly $136 million for the Transit Security Grant Program; nearly $48 million for the Buffer Zone Protection Program; and $25 million for the Chemical Sector Buffer Zone Protection Program.
  • Nearly $110 Million Awarded To Major Rail Systems in 2006:  This year, the eight largest mass transit rail systems in the country have been awarded $103 million in security grant assistance. Eligibility announcements for further awards have been made and final grant awards to these systems will be made later this year, bringing the total to roughly $110 million. To date, DHS has provided nearly $375 Million to the Nation’s Mass Transit Systems.
  • Rail Security Pilots:  Through S&T’s Rail Security Pilot (RSP), DHS field tested the effectiveness of explosives detection techniques and imaging technologies in partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In April 2006, TSA conducted the Mobile Security Checkpoint (MSC) pilot with MARC and Maryland Transit Administration to screen commuter rail passengers and their bags for explosive material. The MSC pilot was conducted to determine the operational feasibility, effectiveness, and the suitability in a transportation environment of commercially available screening technology installed in a mobile container. The results from this pilot will be used to determine if such a container could be used for screening in the transportation environment, or possibly in others.
  • Providing a Coordinated Approach to Critical Infrastructure Protection:  Through the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), DHS has established a comprehensive risk management framework that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities among government, private industry, nongovernmental agencies and other key partners in protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure, enhancing additional security measures and focusing resources according to risk. Seventeen Sector-Specific Plans that complement the NIPP and detail the risk management framework will be released in December 2006. These plans will address unique characteristics and risk landscapes, will be developed in collaboration with sector specific security partners, and include such areas as agriculture and food; energy; public health and healthcare; banking and finance; drinking waters and water treatment systems; information technology; telecommunications; postal and shipping; transportation systems including mass transit, aviation, maritime, ground or surface, and rail and pipeline systems; chemical; commercial facilities; government facilities; emergency services; dams; nuclear reactors, materials and waste; the defense industrial base; and national monuments and icons.

Strengthening Border Security

On September 11, 2001, the nation lacked a comprehensive multi-agency strategy for securing our borders and enforcing our immigration laws. DHS has taken significant steps to prevent  terrorist and criminal activity from entering the U.S. by unifying personnel and law enforcement responsibilities at our nation’s borders, ports of entry and between ports of entry; strengthening our deployment of personnel, infrastructure and technology to detect and prevent certain threats; and establishing uniform standards for document authentication and verification that enable government officials to make real-time decisions regarding the admissibility of those attempting to travel or enter the U.S.

  • Screening Visitors to the U.S. Against Watch Lists and Criminal Records:  The US-VISIT program uses advanced biometric technologies to screen visitors to the U.S. against various watch lists to prevent terrorists from entering the country. To date, US-VISIT has been deployed to 116 airports, 15 seaports, and 154 land ports of entry and processed more than 61 million people applying for admission at U.S. ports of entry. Nearly 1,200 criminals and immigration violators have been intercepted at entry into the United States based on the biometric information alone. DHS and CBP also deployed the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System to all 142 Border Patrol stations and more than 150 ports of entry. This technology has enabled CBP to identify hundreds of homicide, kidnapping, robbery and sexual assault suspects as well as thousands of other wanted individuals. Moreover, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service conducts approximately 135,000 background checks on applicants seeking immigration benefits each day.
  • The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS):  SEVIS was implemented in January of 2003, and is a web-based system that provides real-time, up-to-date information on F, M and J visa holders that can be accessed electronically. It is an effective tool used by law enforcement to ensure that foreign students and exchange visitors in the United States are complying with the terms of their immigration status and are not a threat to national security. Prior to SEVIS, there was a decentralized, manual, paper-driven process that monitored foreign students attending more than 70,000 schools. Today, SEVIS enables over 8,600 schools and 1,400 exchange visitor programs in the United States to host over 800,000 foreign students and exchange visitors.
  • Increasing Manpower and Resources:  Since President Bush took office, the number of Border Patrol agents has increased from 9,000 to more than 12,000, and will double to 18,000 by the end of 2008. CBP officers at our U.S. ports of entry have increased 50 percent and funding for border security efforts has risen by 66%. The number of ICE investigators has grown 25%, funding for interior enforcement has risen 42%, and the number of ICE fugitive operations teams has grown from 17 to 45 nationwide. Since March 2003, these teams have arrested more than 52,000 illegal aliens, including roughly 22,000 of who had criminal records.
  • Increased Resources toward Securing the Border:  In 2005, DHS established the Secure Border Initiative (SBI) to strengthen security along our nation’s borders through increased manpower and resources, new technologies and enhanced immigration enforcement. Under SBI, DHS has expanded the practice of expedited removal which substantially reduces the amount of time an illegal migrant spends in processing before being returned to their home country; established fencing and barriers to improve security along the border; and will harness cutting-edge technology through SBInet - an integrated effort combining the latest detection technology with new infrastructure investments that will greatly increase our border enforcement capabilities.
  • Ending “Catch-and-Release”:  DHS has effectively ended the practice of “catch-and-release” along the southern and northern borders for other-than-Mexican populations by enforcing a catch-and-remove policy. The President’s FY ‘07 budget proposes increasing the number of beds in detention facilities to 27,500. In addition, $257 million has been approved which will add 4,000 beds this year; while 500 beds were added in Willacy County, Texas in less than 45 days. With expanded bed space and decreased processing times under the Secure Border Initiative, DHS is strictly enforcing this “catch and remove” policy enabling us to detain all non-Mexican illegal immigrants apprehended along the southern and northern border until they can be returned to their home countries.
  • Deploying the National Guard in Operation Jump Start:  Since May 2006, the Administration has leveraged the support of up to 6,000 National Guard to help keep the border safe while additional Border Patrol agents and new technologies are brought online. Their support has freed up more than 380 Border Patrol agents for frontline duty and assisted with more than 6,700 illegal alien apprehensions and the seizure of approximately 34,000 pounds of marijuana and 1,700 pounds of cocaine since the start of the Operation.
  • ICE Worksite Enforcement:  In FY 2004, Immigration and Customs Enforcement initiated 460 investigations; there were 79 indictments and 87 convictions. These numbers increased in FY 2005 to 502 investigations, 186 indictments and 160 convictions, and in FY 2006 (as of August 22) there were 1097 investigations, 184 indictments and 177 convictions.
  • Development of e-Passports:  In coordination with the State Department, DHS is providing technological solutions, such as the e-passport, to improve the travel process and enhance fraud detection. E-Passports effectively eliminate passport fraud and serve as an example of international cooperation to ensure safe travel.

Increasing Emergency Preparedness

On September 11, 2001, the nation lacked an integrated incident management system, had done little catastrophic planning, and had no means by which relief supplies could be tracked in the event of a disaster. DHS has dramatically strengthened the nation’s preparedness for a disaster by awarding billions in grant dollars; building new relief supply systems; assessing disaster plans for states, territories, and major urban areas; and creating a national plan for incident response.

  • $18 Billion Has Been Awarded to State and Local Governments to Increase Their Level of Preparedness:  Since the creation of the department, approximately $18 billion has been awarded to state and local governments for equipment, training, exercises and various other measures designed to increase the level of security in communities across the nation.
  • Strengthening Interoperability Communications and Capabilities:  Since 2003, DHS has provided over $2.1 billion to states for interoperable communications equipment, planning, training, and exercises. Through the Interoperable Communications Technical Assistance Program, DHS has provided onsite assistance to improve interoperable capabilities in more than 75 states, urban areas, and metropolitan regions. Through the Department’s RapidCom initiative, first responders and incident commanders in ten high-threat urban areas now have the ability to communicate with each other and their respective command centers in the event of a large emergency incident like a terrorist attack. These cities include:  Boston, Chicago, Houston, Jersey City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. To further assess the capacity for communications interoperability among law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service first responders in all 50 States and DC, DHS initiated the National Interoperability Baseline Survey which will result in a public score card that will identify gaps and help us to determine improvements needed to be made in the near term. A final report for the Baseline Survey is planned for October 2006.
  • National Response Coordination Center:  With the new state-of-the-art National Response Coordination Center (NRCC), the federal government can proactively and quickly provide federal support to states and communities to ensure critical life-saving assistance and incident containment capabilities are in place to respond quickly and efficiently to catastrophic incidents. The NRCC at FEMA coordinates the national-level response to any natural or manmade incidents. The NRCC monitors potential or developing incidents and supports the efforts of regional and field components, including coordinating the preparedness of national-level emergency response teams and resources; in coordination with Regional Response Coordination Centers, initiating mission assignments or reimbursable agreements to activate other federal departments and agencies; and activating and deploying national-level specialized teams. Using advanced technology, the new NRCC brings together teams of emergency response professionals from federal agencies and the private sector.
  • Increasing Situational Awareness through the Common Operating Picture:  Activated in May 2006, the Common Operating Picture (COP) is a display of relevant information that is derived from a Common Operating Database (COD) and shared by several agencies and organizations. The COP/COD system is a situational awareness tool that can be modified for the strategic, operational and tactical levels and is active in the National Operations Center (NOC). As part of an incrementally phased development effort, the DHS COP/COD system has focused on the 2006 hurricane season and has been implemented in selected DHS offices and component and inter-agency operation centers. Subsequently, the COP/COD system will be implemented nationwide for all Homeland Security partners, for all hazards, and for all threats.
  • DHS Reviewed 131 State and Local Emergency Plans:  By reviewing state and local disaster plans, collocating decision-makers, and pre-designating federal leadership, DHS is improving coordination across all levels of government. Through the National Plan Review, DHS completed visits to 131 sites (50 states, 6 territories, and 75 major urban areas) and reviewed the disaster and evacuation plans for each. These reviews will allow DHS, states, and urban areas to identify deficiencies and improve catastrophic planning.
  • Established The National Response Plan (NRP):  The NRP established a unified, all-discipline and all-hazards approach to enhance the ability of the United States to manage domestic incidents through the alignment of Federal coordination structures, capabilities and resources. The NRP and its coordinating structures and protocols provide the mechanisms for the coordination and implementation of a wide variety of incident management and emergency assistance activities.
  • Ready Campaign:  Launched in February 2003, Ready is a national public service advertising campaign produced by DHS and the Advertising Council to educate and empower Americans to prepare for and respond to emergencies including natural disasters and potential terrorist attacks. The campaign, which includes information for individuals, families, Spanish speakers and businesses, distributes its messages through public service advertisements, brochures, web sites, a toll-free phone line and partnerships with a wide variety of public and private sector organizations. The Ad Council has declared Ready one of the most successful campaigns in its more than 60-year history. Ready has generated more than $568 million in donated media support; more than 1.9 billion hits and 23.8 million unique visitors to www.ready.gov; and more than 7.4 million Ready materials have been requested or downloaded from the Web site. Additionally, Citizen Corps, a component of USA Freedom Corps and coordinated by DHS, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. There are currently over 2,000 Citizen Corps Councils reaching 72% of the population and operating in all 50 states and 6 U.S. territories. At the state and local levels, grants totaling more than $107 million help implement the Citizen Corps programs.

Improving Information Sharing

The events of September 11, 2001 exposed the importance of information sharing across all levels of government and throughout the international community. DHS has established new mechanisms to collect and share vital information across various sectors, and has provided support to local communities.

  • Federal Support for State Fusion Centers:  DHS is supporting state and local authorities by providing analysts and direct support to established Fusions Centers which are working toward the common goal of blending relevant law enforcement and intelligence information analysis and coordinating security measures to reduce threats in their communities. To date, DHS has provided more than $380 million to state and local governments in support of these centers and will continue to deploy tailored, multi-disciplinary teams of intelligence and operational professionals to Fusion Centers nationwide with plans to have personnel at all of the major centers by the end of fiscal year 2008. The Homeland Infrastructure Threat and Risk Analysis Center is another tool the department is utilizing to improve information sharing between the federal government and state and local partners by developing three new product lines tailored to meet the intelligence needs of the private sector and state and local governments, including sector-specific documents, unclassified communication with the private sector and quarterly suspicious activity reporting analyses.
  • Improving Information Sharing to Prevent Terrorists From Boarding Planes:  In order to help identify potential high-risk travelers earlier, increase the security of international flights to and from the U.S. and alleviate turn-backs and diversions of aircraft, DHS has a proposal to implement the pre-departure transmission of Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) data which provides officers with pre-arrival and departure manifest data on all passengers and crew members. Also, the Office of Screening Coordination oversees the integration of the department’s terrorist and immigration-related screening efforts, creates unified screening standards and policies, and develops a single redress process for travelers.
  • Increased Information Flow among DHS and Federal, State, and Local Partners:  DHS communicates in real-time to its partners by utilizing the internet-based Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). System participants include governors, mayors, Homeland Security Advisors, state National Guard offices, Emergency Operations Centers, First Responders and Public Safety departments, and other key homeland security partners.

Preventing Weapons of Mass Destruction

The threat of weapons of mass destruction is one of the foremost priorities of the Department. Countering the threat of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons in the hands of terrorist organizations is the gravest danger facing America.

  • Assessing 100% of Cargo Entering the Country:  The National Targeting Center (NTC) provides tactical targeting and analytical research support for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) anti-terrorism efforts and currently assesses information relating to all U.S. bound cargo in order to identify, inspect and reject potentially high-risk cargo before it can enter the United States. Experts in passenger and cargo targeting at the NTC operate around the clock using tools like the Automated Targeting System (ATS) to determine any potential national security risk before entering the U.S.
  • Scanning 98% of Cargo in our Seaports by the End of 2008:  Prior to 9/11, approximately 2 percent of cargo was screened, and virtually none was screened for radiation. There are now approximately 267 Radiation Portal Monitors (RPMs) currently deployed at our nation’s seaports and 14,000 handheld detection devices are currently in use. By the end of 2006, 75 percent of seaborne cargo will be scanned by RPM. By the end of 2008, that number will increase to 98 percent.
  • Establishing the “Global Standard” for Cargo and Port Security:  DHS established the Container Security Initiative (CSI) post 9/11 to inspect high risk containers before they are loaded on board vessels destined for the U.S. By the end of this year, more than 50 ports accounting for over 90 percent of maritime containerized cargo shipped to the U.S. will be part of the initiative. DHS also partners with more than 5,800 global businesses through the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) in which business take necessary steps to improve supply chain security and agree to pre-screen all cargo before entering the U.S.
  • Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Progress:  Post 9/11, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office has completed the first ever global nuclear architecture, announced contract awards for new radiation detection technologies; completed performance testing for mobile, handheld, backpack, and portable radiation detectors (PRDs) detection systems; and issued broad agency announcements for transformational research and development.
  • Next-Generation Radiation Portal Monitors:  DHS has awarded contracts for the production of next-generation RPMs. A limited number of units will be tested at ports of entry over the next six to nine months. The Advanced Spectroscopic Portal (ASP) Program will be initiated with a purchase of 80 Standard Cargo portals. From this total, each of the three companies awarded contracts for the program will supply portals for testing, spiral development, primary and secondary screening at operational land crossings and seaports.
  • Training for Law Enforcement and First Responders:  DNDO has worked with the Office of Grants and Training (G&T) and the Counter Terrorism Operation Support Team to develop and deliver preventive radiological/nuclear detection training to over 300 law enforcement and first responders at three training sites in New York, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Increasing Defenses against Biological Threats

Since 9/11, DHS has significantly strengthened the nation’s defenses against biological threats by developing and deploying a network of biological sensors; establishing new facilities to monitor, test and detect potential biological threats; and utilizing new risk assessment tools to inform investments and potential threats.

  • Detecting and Preventing Biological Attacks:  DHS, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has deployed the first ever bioaerosol monitoring system to more than 30 major metropolitan areas in order to provide early warning of an attack and enable quick and accurate response. The BioWatch system is currently undergoing expansion in the top threat cities to enable detection of smaller amounts of bio-agents, better define the affected areas in the case of a release, and provide increased coverage of critical facilities such as transportation networks.
  • Established National Biosurveillance Integration System:  A 24/7 operation, the National Biosurveillance Integration System is designed to provide early recognition of biohazards of potential national significance and to form a common operating picture through all source reporting relating to all types of public health threats.
  • National BioForensics Analysis Center (NBFAC):  DHS, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), established the National BioForensics Analysis Center (NBFAC) in 2004 at Ft. Detrick, MD. Utilizing state-of-the-art detection technologies combined with rigorous chain-of-control procedures to analyze samples in secure, contamination free, bio-containment laboratories, this center serves as the lead federal facility to conduct and facilitate forensic analysis and interpretation of materials recovered following a biological attack.
  • Creating New Centers of Excellence:  DHS, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established two agricultural Centers of Excellence. The National Center for Foreign Animal and Zoonotic Disease Defense (FAZD) Center of Excellence is actively engaged in research efforts to protect pre-harvest agricultural targets from deliberate or intentional incursions of pathogenic microorganisms responsible for such diseases as Foot and Mouth Disease, Rift Valley Fever, brucellosis, and avian influenza. The National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD) Center of Excellence is dedicated to developing technologies and understanding the complexities of safeguarding our Nation’s food supply chain.

This page was last reviewed/modified on September 8, 2006.