• Border Security & Immigration
• Critical Infrastructure
• Cyberterrorism
• Domestic Security
• Equipment & Communications
• First Responders
• International Security
• Medical & Public Health Issues
• Threat Assessment
• Transportation Security
• Weapons of Mass Destruction

Alien Migrant Interdiction
U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement
This online briefing outlines the authorities and duties of the U.S. Coast Guard as the United States' primary maritime law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing immigration law at sea.

A Line in the Sand: Confronting the Threat at the Southwest Border
Prepared by the Majority Staff of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Investigations, Michael T. McCaul, Chairman, 2006
This interim report summarizes findings regarding the criminal activity and violence taking place along the southwest border of the United States between Texas and Mexico.

An Assessment of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Fugitive Operations Teams (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General, March 2007
This report, prepared as part of departmental oversight to promote economy and efficiency within the Department of Homeland Security, addresses the effectiveness of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Fugitive Operations Teams and is based on interviews, direct observations, statistical analyses, and a review of applicable documents.

Applications for U Nonimmigrant Status, Revision to Adjudicator's Field Manual (AFM) Chapter 39 (AFM Update AD06-11) (PDF)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
This memorandum provides guidance to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers regarding the U nonimmigrant classification for victims of certain qualifying criminal activity.

Border County Health Workforce Profiles
Health Resources and Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, May 2007
These profiles provide consistent information on the health workforce, relevant population characteristics, and basic health indicators for the U.S./Mexico border region in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. The profiles are based on county-level data and reported by geographic proximity to the border.

Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC) (PDF)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This fact sheet provides an overview of the BORTAC program—the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's specially trained tactical unit for high-risk missions. BORTAC's duties include intervening in riots, restoring order after a natural disaster, tracking terrorists, intercepting human smugglers and drug traffickers, and capturing illegal immigrants.

Border Security: Continued Weaknesses in Screening Entrants into the United States (PDF)
General Accountability Office, August 2, 2006
This report assesses weaknesses in the U.S. entrant screening process and is the result of a requested followup investigation to determine whether vulnerabilities exposed by prior studies continue to exist.

Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, January 3, 2008
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must keep terrorists and other dangerous people from entering the country while also moving millions of travelers across our borders at 326 air, sea, and land ports of entry. In response to a congressional request, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined CBP's efforts to inspect travelers, the progress it has made and the challenges that remain in staffing and training at ports of entry, and CBP's progress in developing strategic plans and performance measures for its traveler inspection program. To do this, GAO reviewed and analyzed CBP data and documents related to inspections, staffing, and training; interviewed managers and officers; observed inspections at eight major air and land ports of entry; and tested inspection controls at eight small land ports of entry. This GAO testimony is based on a report GAO issued on November 5, 2007.

Border Security: Investigators Transported Radioactive Sources Across Our Nation's Borders at Two Locations (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 5, 2006
This testimony provides the results of undercover tests made by investigators to determine whether monitors at U.S. ports of entry detect radioactive sources in vehicles attempting to enter the United States. This report provides observations regarding the procedures that U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors followed during the investigation.

Border Security: Key Agencies and Their Missions (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, May 13, 2008
With the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, four federal agencies are charged with securing the United States' borders: the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, which patrols the border and conducts immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections at ports of entry; the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which investigates immigration and customs violations in the interior of the country; the Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security; and the Transportation Security Administration, which is responsible for securing the nation's land, rail, and air transportation networks. This report briefly describes each agency's role.

Border Security: The San Diego Fence (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, The Library of Congress, May 23, 2007
This report outlines the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's construction of the San Diego border fence and highlights some of the major legislative and administrative developments regarding its completion.

Border Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, December 6, 2006
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security established the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program to collect, maintain, and share data on selected foreign nationals who are entering and exiting the United States at air, sea, and land ports of entry. In this report, GAO comments on findings concerning the implementation of procedures and data technologies at land POE facilities.

Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, January 31, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the U.S. Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program to collect, maintain, and share data on selected foreign nationals who are entering and exiting the United States at air, sea, and land ports of entry. This testimony addresses DHS's efforts to implement US-VISIT entry and exit capability, and defines how US-VISIT fits with other emerging border security initiatives.

Border Wait Times, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This table shows the estimated wait times for reaching the primary inspection booth and the first point of contact with Customs and Border Protection when crossing the Canada/United States and Mexico/United States land borders. Each border location updates its estimated wait times hourly.

CBP Border Patrol Apprehensions Down Along Southern Border
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, July 7, 2007
Apprehensions made by the Border Patrol, part of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), are down 24 percent compared to the previous year along the southwest border, indicating a continued decline in illegal cross-border activity between ports of entry. Under the Secure Border Initiative, CBP continues to enhance border security by implementing innovative programs that include expanding the use of expedited removal, instituting Operation Streamline and Operation Jump Start, and hiring up to 6,000 new border patrol agents by 2008.

The Changing Demographic Profile of the United States (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated May 5, 2006
This reports highlights some of the demographic changes that have occurred within the United States since 1950 and illustrates how these and future trends will reshape the nation up to the year 2050. Several statistical issues relating to immigration are discussed.

Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Pending Legislation Would Apply U.S. Immigration Law to the CNMI with a Transition Period (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, March 28, 2008
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is subject to most U.S. laws but, under the terms of its 1976 covenant with the United States, administers its own immigration system. On December 11, 2007, the House of Representatives passed legislation applying U.S. immigration law to the CNMI; as of report issuance, the legislation was pending in the Senate. This report reviews key provisions of the pending legislation, current U.S. immigration law, and current CNMI immigration law.

Convicted Felon With Ties to Al Qaeda Training Camp Ordered Deported
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, January 16, 2007
A convicted felon actively involved in attempts to establish an al Qaeda terrorist training camp in south-central Oregon has been successfully apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Customs Revenue: Customs and Border Protection Needs to Improve Workforce Planning and Accountability (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 12, 2007
Since the formation of the Department of Homeland Security, the SAFE Port Act requires the Government Accountability Office to report on changes related to customs revenue functions. This report discusses Customs Border Protection's staff resources, strategic workforce planning, and public reporting on customs revenue functions by examining legislatively required staffing levels, customs revenue staff, strategic plans, and annual performance reports.

Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
C-TPAT is the first worldwide, government-business initiative that seeks to build cooperative relationships that strengthen the overall supply chain and border security. By participating in the initiative, businesses help reduce terrorism and benefit from access to the C-TPAT membership list and account-based processes. Interested persons should review the information available from the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection or contact Industry Partnership Programs at 202-927-0520 or industry.partnership@customs.treas.gov.

DHS Announces Customer Service Improvements to Entry Process for International Travelers
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 6, 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the launch of three initiatives—the Global Entry Pilot Program, the Passenger Service Program, and an expanded Model Ports Initiative—intended to strengthen customer service at U.S. ports of entry.

DHS Announces Pre-Travel Authorization Program for U.S.-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 3, 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the Interim Final Rule for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, a new online system that is part of the Visa Waiver Program and is required by the implementing recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007.

DHS Immigration Attorneys: Workload Analysis and Workforce Planning Efforts Lack Data and Documentation (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 17, 2007
This report addresses the actions that legal offices at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Customs and Border Protection are taking to identify attorney needs for immigration enforcement, inspection, and service functions; where those attorneys should be deployed; and staffing shortcomings.

e-Allegations
Customs and Border Protection
This new online trade violation reporting system enables concerned individuals to report illegal import and export activity by completing and submitting a web form.

Fact Sheet: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 6, 2007
This fact sheet highlights the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's progress on immigration efforts over the past year. Approximately 5,000 arrests were made and more than $30 million in criminal fines, restitutions, and civil judgments were acquired from worksite enforcement. The use of E-Verify, a web-based system that electronically verifies the employment eligibility of newly hired employees, has grown by roughly 83 percent annually.

Fact Sheet: ICE Immigration Enforcement Initiatives
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, June 23, 2006
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) helps to strengthen national security and uphold public safety by closing down homeland security vulnerabilities. Created in March 2003, ICE is tasked with closing down our nation's vulnerabilities by targeting the people, money, and materials that support terrorism and other criminal activities. It prioritizes its immigration enforcement actions by targeting the greatest national security and public safety threats, an approach not taken prior to 9/11.

Fact Sheet: ICE ShadowWolves
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, June 2007
ShadowWolves is an Immigration and Customs Enforcement tactical patrol unit based on the Native American Tohono O'odham Nation in southern Arizona. ShadowWolf officers are known for their ability to track alien and drug smugglers as they attempt to smuggle their illegal commodities across the border.

Fact Sheet: Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 17, 2006
Since September 11, many changes have been made to improve border security while still welcoming visitors to the United States. The greatest challenge has been to harmonize these changes for maximum effect while maintaining the right balance between stronger security and facilitating travel.

Fact Sheet: Secure Border Initiative
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 2, 2005
The Secure Border Initiative (SBI) is a comprehensive multiyear plan to secure America's borders and reduce illegal migration. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff provides this overview of the SBI.

Fact Sheet: The Secure Fence Act of 2006
The White House, May 26, 2006
This fact sheet describes the purpose of the Secure Fence Act of 2006 within the context of immigration reform and national security.

Fact Sheet: Securing America's Borders: U.S. Customs and Border Protection 2006 Fiscal Year in Review
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, October 30, 2006
During fiscal year (FY) 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) made significant progress toward securing the nation's borders at and between the ports of entry. Due to increased staffing, additional infrastructure, better technology, and the support of the President and Congress, CBP's frontline personnel were better equipped in FY 2006 than in any other period in the nation's history.

Fact Sheet: USCIS Publishes Rule for Nonimmigrant Victims of Criminal Activity (PDF)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, September 5, 2007
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is publishing an interim final rule that grants immigrant benefits to certain victims of crimes who will assist government and law enforcement officials in investigating or prosecuting the criminal activity.

Fact Sheet: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2006
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, October 30, 2006
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement achieved historic results in fiscal year 2006, setting new records for enforcement activity, ending the long-standing practice of “catch-and-release” along the nation's borders, launching new major initiatives, transforming the detention and removal process, and improving intelligence functions.

Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force
The mission of the Foreign Terrorist Tracking Task Force is to ensure that, to the maximum extent permitted by law, federal agencies coordinate programs to deny entry into the United States to aliens who are associated with, suspected of being engaged in, or supporting terrorist activity and locate, detain, prosecute, or deport any such aliens already present in the United States. The Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence are charged with ensuring, to the maximum extent permitted by law, that the task force has access to all available information necessary to perform its mission. When appropriate, cooperating countries are invited to serve as liaisons to the task force to expedite investigation and data sharing. Other federal entities, such as the Migrant Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons Coordination Center and the Foreign Leads Development Activity, provide the task force with any relevant information they possess concerning aliens suspected of engaging in or supporting terrorist activity.

Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance (PDF)
C. Bolkcom and B. Nuñez-Neto, Congressional Research Service, May 13, 2008
This report examines the advantages and limitations of using unmanned aerial vehicles to survey the U.S. border.

Homeland Security: Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Operating, but Management Improvements Are Still Needed
U.S. Government Accountability Office, January 25, 2006
The US–VISIT Program has met a number of demanding requirements that are legislatively mandated. An overseas pre-entry visa screening and entry identification capability has prevented criminal aliens from entering the country and has potentially deterred others. GAO has since made several recommendations aimed at ensuring the program's continued success and accountability.

Homeland Security and State Departments Announce WHTI Land and Sea Final Rule
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, March 27, 2008
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State have announced the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a core 9/11 Commission recommendation. The WHTI final rule requires travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States, including those previously exempt. These document requirements will be effective June 1, 2009.

“How Do I?” Fact Sheets
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
This page provides online access to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' “How Do I?” series of brochures. The brochures cover many of the services and benefits that are available to people, depending on their immigration status.

Immigration Benefits: Circumstances Under Which Petitioners' Sex Offenses May Be Disclosed to Beneficiaries (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 14, 2006
Immigration law does not prohibit convicted sex offenders from petitioning to bring their spouses, fiancés, or children into the United States, and generally U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services cannot deny such a petition based solely on the petitioner's status as a convicted sex offender. This report discusses cases of convicted sex offenders who filed family-based petitions in fiscal year 2005.

Immigration Benefits: Improvements Needed to Address Backlogs and Ensure Quality of Adjudications (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, November 21, 2005
The Real ID Act of 2005 has created new requirements for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that could hinder efforts to eliminate the backlog of immigration benefit applications and adjudicate all applications within 6 months.

Immigration Enforcement Actions: 2005 (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 2006
Yearbook of Immigration Statistics: 2005—Enforcement
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 2006
These components of the 2005 Yearbook of Immigration Statistics report annual immigration enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. These actions include arrest, detention, and removal from the United States of foreign nationals in violation of U.S. immigration laws. (Links may require a free plug-in to view; available at Adobe Reader.)

Immigration Enforcement: Benefits and Limitations to Using Earnings Data to Identify Unauthorized Work (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 11, 2006
Previous reports suggest that Social Security Administration (SSA) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) data could be useful for identity and employment eligibility verification. However, Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code restricts the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with third parties, except in sharply limited circumstances. Because Congress is considering legislation to reform immigration laws and strengthen enforcement, the Subcommittees on Social Security and on Oversight of the House Ways and Means Committee requested an assessment of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's use of the data it already receives from SSA to determine what changes could be made to effectively use earnings data for enforcement.

Immigration Watch
Southern Poverty Law Center
This electronic newsletter focuses on right-wing extremist activities related to immigration. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to immigrationwatch@splcenter.org.

NAFTA and Cross-Border Partnership: The U.S.-Mexico Demonstration Program
William Quade, Director of Enforcement and Compliance, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, The Police Chief , July 2007
The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) obligates the United States to allow trucks from Mexico to enter the United States and drive beyond the border zones. This article discusses the one-year, onsite inspection program that allows Mexican carriers to operate north of the U.S. border for the first time, as well as the significance of this NAFTA requirement and how the demonstration project addresses law enforcement issues.

New Requirements for Travelers
U.S. Department of State
This web site provides information on the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, an effort to implement parts of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which requires the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State to develop and implement a plan requiring all travelers to present a passport or other document denoting identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Office of Detention and Removal Operations Offices, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This resource provides contact information for all regional and state offices of the Office of Detention and Removal, a division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The office is responsible for ensuring the departure of all removable aliens from the United States through fair enforcement of the nation's immigration laws. Its staff locate and arrest fugitive aliens, detain certain aliens while their cases are being processed, and remove them from the United States when so ordered.

Operation "ICE Storm"
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Operation ICE Storm—led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the largest investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—will combat human smuggling and associated violence in Arizona and nationwide through combined immigration, smuggling, and financial investigative powers. The initiative also has a 24-hour tipline (1-866-DHS-2ICE) and the "ICE Storm Most Wanted List," which features fugitives linked to violent smuggling incidents in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

Passport Denial Program
The Passport Denial Program, which is part of the Federal Offset Program, is designed to help states enforce delinquent child support obligations. Under the program, noncustodial parents certified by a state as having arrearages exceeding $2,500 are reported by the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement to the U.S. Department of State, which denies them U.S. passports upon application or the use of a passport service.

Police Chiefs Guide to Immigration Issues (PDF)
International Association of Chiefs of Police, July 2007
This guide gives law enforcement executives an overview of the issues surrounding both legal and illegal immigration, provides background information on the current resources available to law enforcement, and examines the concerns and obstacles that surround the debate about immigration enforcement by local, state, and tribal law enforcement.

Secure Border Initiative: Observations on Selected Aspects of SBInet Program Implementation (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, October 24, 2007
In November 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a multiyear, multibillion dollar program to secure U.S. borders. One element of SBI is SBInet, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program responsible for developing a comprehensive border protection system through a mix of security infrastructure (e.g., fencing) and surveillance and communication technologies (e.g., radar, sensors, cameras, satellite phones). This testimony before the House Committee on Homeland Security presents the Government Accountability Office's observations on (1) SBInet technology implementation; (2) SBInet infrastructure implementation; (3) the extent to which CBP has determined the impact of SBInet technology and infrastructure on its workforce needs and operating procedures; and (4) how the CBP SBI Program Management Office has defined and progressed toward its human capital goals.

Security Screening of Head Coverings
Transportation Security Administration, August 2007
On August 4, 2007, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implemented revisions to its screening procedures for head coverings. TSA does not conduct ethnic or religious profiling, and employs multiple checks and balances to ensure that profiling does not occur. All members of the traveling public are permitted to wear head coverings (whether religious or not) through the security checkpoints.

Southwest Border Initiative, Office of National Drug Control Policy
The Southwest Border Initiative is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that are concerned with drug-control issues along this border. The web site provides publications and additional resources for obtaining information about the initiative.

Statement by Secretary Michael Chertoff on Passenger Name Record Data
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 5, 2007
On June 28, 2007, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff, German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schäuble, and the European Union (EU) Commissioner Franco Frattini initialed an international agreement between the United States and the EU on the transfer of passenger name record data to DHS from air carriers operating transatlantic flights to and from the United States.

Twenty-Five Federal Prosecutors to Be Added to U.S./Mexico Border Districts
U.S. Department of Justice, July 31, 2006
The U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security have announced that 20 Assistant United States Attorneys will be added to the five federal law enforcement districts along the Southwest border. These prosecutors will enhance the enforcement of immigration laws and border security by prosecuting only immigration-related offenses, including alien smuggling, entering the United States without inspection, illegal reentry, possession of firearms as an alien, illegal employment of undocumented aliens, human trafficking, and document fraud.

U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Adds Seven New Fugitive Operations Teams to Its Nationwide Arsenal
U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, August 9, 2006
The U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement has announced that seven new Fugitive Operations teams are now operating in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, Phoenix, the District of Columbia, and Raleigh, bringing the total number of teams nationwide to 45. These 45 teams are collectively arresting more than 1,000 illegal aliens a week.

U.S. Coast Guard Begins Biometric Collection Program to Deter Illegal Entry into U.S. Territory by Sea
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 13, 2006
The Department of Homeland Security has begun a pilot program that will collect biometric information from illegal migrants who are interdicted while attempting to enter U.S. territory through the body of water between the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico known as the Mona Passage.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Launches SENTRI Program Improvements
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, October 30, 2006
Cross-border motorists who want SENTRI privileges can now apply for them through an online application system, which will ensure more expeditious processing for new applicants as well as those who want to renew their membership. In addition, membership in the SENTRI program is being extended from 2 to 5 years, effective immediately.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Energy Launch Secure Freight Initiative
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 7, 2006
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and Energy have announced the first phase of the Secure Freight Initiative—an unprecedented effort to build upon existing port security measures by enhancing the federal government's ability to scan containers for nuclear and radiological materials overseas and to better assess the risk of inbound containers.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers Program
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 2006
To combat unlawful employment and reduce vulnerabilities that help illegal aliens gain such employment, the Department of Homeland Security recently introduced the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Mutual Agreement Between Government and Employers (IMAGE) Program. Its goal is to help employers in targeted sectors develop a more secure and stable workforce and better recognize fraudulent documents. For more information on the IMAGE Program, request an information packet via the IMAGE Information Packet Request form.

United States-Canada NEXUS Highway Program
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This online fact sheet describes the NEXUS alternative inspection program, which allows prescreened, low-risk travelers to be processed with little or no delay by U.S. and Canadian border officials.

UnitedStatesVisas.gov
UnitedStatesVisas.gov serves as the official source of information about U.S. visa policies and procedures. It offers information about visa application processes, current requirements, and updates on recent developments.

Visa Waiver Program: Actions Are Needed to Improve Management of the Expansion Process, and to Assess and Mitigate Program Risks (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 15, 2008
This report examines the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) process for expanding the Visa Waiver Program, with its inherent benefits and risks, and evaluates the extent to which DHS is assessing and mitigating program risks.

WHTI Land and Sea Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Published
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 20, 2007
The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security and State have announced the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a core 9/11 Commission recommendation. Proposed rules require a passport or other secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the United States.

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Critical Infrastructure

Assessment of the Bureau of Reclamation's Security Program
Board on Infrastructure and the Constructed Environment, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences, National Academies Press, 2008
The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation is responsible for managing and operating some of this nation's largest and most critical dams, and since the 9/11 terrorist attacks has invested significant resources to establish and build a security program. This book assesses this security program and determines its level of preparedness to deter, respond to, and recover from malicious acts targeting these facilities and the people who use and manage them.

Audit Report: The Department's Energy, Science, and Environment Sites' Implementation of the Design Basis Threat (PDF)
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, December 2006
Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Energy initiated a comprehensive effort to update its Design Basis Threat (DBT) process to address new terror-related challenges. The department uses the DBT process to guide and manage its safeguards and security program throughout the complex, and to identify the most credible threats posed by adversaries to highly sensitive and classified departmental assets and operations.

Audit Report: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Program to Oversee Hydroelectric Dams (PDF)
U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, December 2006
To enhance security in the post-September 11, 2001 environment, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has readdressed the safety, stability, and integrity of dams within its jurisdiction with the goal of protecting life, health, and property from sabotage and vandalism. FERC developed the Dam Safety and Security Program to inspect and review safety and security efforts for approximately 2,600 dams, 900 of which are so highly hazardous that loss of life and substantial economic and energy production disruption could result if breached.

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 8, 2007
These risk-based performance standards apply to high-risk U.S. chemical facilities. On November 20, 2007, the department released an appendix listing chemicals that, if possessed by a facility in a specified quantity, would trigger a requirement for that facility to complete and submit an online consequence assessment tool.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Progress Coordinating Government and Private Sector Efforts Varies by Sectors' Characteristics (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, October 2006
As Hurricane Katrina so forcefully demonstrated, the nation's critical infrastructures and key resources are vulnerable to a wide variety of threats. Because the private sector owns about 85 percent of the nation's critical infrastructure, it is vital that the public and private sectors work together to protect these assets. Government and private sector councils, formed by the Department of Homeland Security, are needed to identify the nation's most critical assets, assess the risks they face, and identify protective measures. This report examines the extent to which these councils have been established; the key facilitating factors and challenges affecting the formation of the councils; and the overall status of the plans and key facilitating factors and challenges encountered in developing them.

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Sector-Specific Plans' Coverage of Key Cyber Security Elements Varies (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 31, 2007
The nation's critical infrastructure sectors, such as banking and finance, information technology, and public health, rely on computerized information and systems to provide services to the public. To fulfill the requirement for a comprehensive plan, including cyber aspects, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a national plan in June 2006 for the sectors to use as a roadmap for enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure. Lead federal agencies, referred to as sector-specific agencies, are responsible for coordinating critical infrastructure protection efforts such as the development of plans that are specific to each sector. In this publication, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) summarizes a report that identifies the extent to which the sector plans addressed key aspects of cyber security, including cyber assets, key vulnerabilities, vulnerability reduction efforts, and recovery plans. GAO analyzed each sector-specific plan against criteria that were developed on the basis of DHS guidance.

Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, an independent federal agency established by Congress in 1988, is mandated by the Atomic Energy Act to provide safety oversight of the nuclear weapons complex operated by the Department of Energy (DOE). DOE maintains the readiness of the nuclear arsenal, dismantles surplus weapons, disposes of excess radioactive materials, cleans up surplus facilities, and constructs new facilities. The board ensures that all of these activities are carried out by DOE in a manner that provides adequate protection for the public, workers, and the environment.

First Comprehensive Set of Model Code Changes Adopted Based on Recommendations from Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology World Trade Center Investigation
National Institute of Standards and Technology, June 20, 2007
The first comprehensive set of building code changes recently approved by the International Code Council (ICC) is based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These recommendations are based on the findings of NIST's three year investigation of the collapse of New York City 's World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. These changes will be incorporated into the 2007 supplement to ICC's International Building Code, a model code used as the basis for building regulations promulgated and enforced by U.S. local and state jurisdictions.

High-Fidelity Visualization of Large-Scale Simulations
Department of Computer Science at Purdue University, June 2007
The purpose of the September 11 WTC Attack Simulations Using LS-Dyna project is to help better understand the behavior of a building under impact and to establish a procedure for producing high-quality visualizations of large-scale simulations. This component of the project provides a visualization of the September 2001 attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center.

National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center
Los Alamos National Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories have partnered to leverage their existing research and development activities to establish a critical infrastructure modeling, simulation, and analysis center. The National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center has the unique capability to provide our nation's government and industry decisionmakers with the analytic predictive resources needed to help protect the nation's critical infrastructures.

North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC)
NERC is an industry-supported, nonprofit corporation striving to ensure that the bulk electric system in North America is reliable, adequate, and secure. It sets standards and monitors and enforces compliance with these standards for reliable systemwide operation. It also provides education and training resources and coordinates critical infrastructure protection.

NorthWest Warning, Alert & Response Network (NWWARN)
NWWARN is a collaborative effort between government and private sector partners in the state of Washington. The goal is to maximize real-time sharing of situational information without delay and provide immediate distribution of intelligence to those in the field who need to act on it. NWWARN is a pilot program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Information Network—Critical Infrastructure initiative, a counterterrorism communications tool that strengthens the exchange of threat information among critical infrastructure officials, first responders, and owners and operators in 50 states, 5 territories, 50 major urban areas, and Washington, D.C.

Report of the Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack: Critical National Infrastructures (PDF)
Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack (EMP Commission), April 2008
Because of the ubiquitous dependence of U.S. society on the electrical power system, a high-altitude nuclear weapon-generated electromagnetic pulse could result in long-term, catastrophic consequences. This report makes recommendations that would significantly reduce the likelihood of a high-altitude nuclear attack and enable timely recovery if such an attack were to occur.

SouthWest Emergency Response Network (SWERN)
SWERN seeks to maximize real-time information sharing and alert notification with responders in the field so they can act immediately and accordingly. SWERN is a pilot program modeled after the FBI Dallas Emergency Response Network and is a part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Information Network—Critical Infrastructure initiative, a counterterrorism communications tool that strengthens the exchange of threat information among critical infrastructure officials, first responders, and owners and operators in 50 states, 5 territories, 50 major urban areas, and Washington, D.C.

The National Infrastructure Advisory Council's Final Report and Recommendations on the Insider Threat to Critical Infrastructures (PDF)
National Infrastructure Advisory Council, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 8, 2008
This report finds insider threats to be significant given their potential to cause serious consequences that could cascade beyond the attacked infrastructure. It also found that economic espionage poses a significant threat to the competitive viability of many critical infrastructures in the United States, and that awareness and mitigation of the threat vary greatly among the critical infrastructure sectors. In this report, the National Infrastructure Advisory Council concludes that partnership and information sharing are key components to the success of critical infrastructure protection. Success in information sharing depends on building an ever-stronger public-private partnership and on establishing trusted relationships among the key players in each sector and with the government.

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Cyberterrorism

Build Security In
The Department of Homeland Security National Cyber Security Division developed this new secure portal to provide developers and security professionals with best practices, tools, and other resources for creating more reliable and secure software.

Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS)
CERIAS takes a multidisciplinary approach to problems related to information assurance and security. Its web site describes its focus on research, education, and training, and includes targeted information sections for students, business and industry, government, and the general public.

Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC)
CIAC supports the U.S. Department of Energy community. CIAC's information professionals apply their cybersecurity expertise to help the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, and other national stakeholders prevent, detect, react to, and recover from cyberincidents. CIAC makes cybersecurity information publicly available through bulletins and related web site links.

Infragard
Infragaurd is an organization dedicated to promoting ongoing dialogue and timely communication between its members and the FBI. InfraGard members have access to information that enables them to protect their assets and in turn give information to the government that facilitates its responsibilities to prevent and address terrorism and other crimes.

Monitoring Software on Your PC: Spyware, Adware, and Other Software
Federal Trade Commission, March 2005
In April 2004, the Federal Trade Commission sponsored a workshop to explore issues associated with spyware, which led to this report. In particular, the workshop was convened to broaden the understanding of information practices of the online marketplace and their impact on the public. It also focused on ways to assist businesses, the government, and consumers in developing an effective response to spyware.

Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center
The mission of the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center is to provide a focal point for gathering information on cyber threats to critical infrastructures; two-way information sharing on critical infrastructure cyber incidents and threats; timely warnings of cyber threats and attacks; and comprehensive information and intelligence analyses to support federal, state, and local first responders and law enforcement readiness and response efforts.

National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance
The National Cyber-Forensics & Training Alliance seeks to bring together local, state, and federal law enforcement; businesses; and academic institutions to collaborate on cybercrime issues. It provides a neutral, collaborative venue where resources can be shared and critical confidential information about cyber incidents can be shared discreetly. The alliance facilitates advanced training, promotes security awareness to reduce cyber vulnerability, and conducts forensic and predictive analysis and lab simulations.

Stay Safe Online—National Cyber Security Alliance
The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is the go-to resource for cyber security awareness and education for home user, small business, and education audiences. NCSA provides tools and resources to empower users to stay safe online. For more information, and to see the top eight cyber security tips, visit Stay Safe Online.

Survey of Network Security and Insider Threats 2002-2004
U.S. Secret Service and CERT® Coordination Center
As part of an analysis of network, system, and database compromises committed by malicious insiders, the U.S. Secret Service and CERT®/CC at Carnegie Mellon University are conducting this anonymous survey that will be used to gauge the current prevalence of insider intrusions across all critical infrastructure sectors. Results will help inform a larger insider-threat study being conducted to develop accurate information about prior insider intrusions that can help identify and prevent future intrusions before they occur.

U.S. Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT)
US-CERT is charged with protecting the United States' Internet infrastructure by coordinating defense against and response to cyber attacks. It manages the National Cyber Alert System—America's first cohesive national cyber security system for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing emerging vulnerabilities and threats. The system provides all citizens with free, timely, actionable information to better secure their computer systems.

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Domestic Security

A Framework for Improving Cross-Sector Coordination for Emergency Preparedness and Response: Action Steps for Public Health, Law Enforcement, the Judiciary, and Corrections (PDF)
Prepared for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/U.S. Department of Justice, Public Health/Law Enforcement Emergency Preparedness Workgroup by McKing Consulting Corporation, July 2008
This framework identifies opportunities for improving cross-sectoral and cross-jurisdictional collaboration to strengthen coordinated, multisector responses to influenza pandemics and other infectious disease threats.

American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International
ASIS provides security professionals with educational programs and services that address security concerns. The monthly magazine Security Management focuses strictly on security-related issues and innovations.

Annual Threat Assessment of the Intelligence Community for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (PDF)
Office of the Director of National Intelligence, February 7, 2008
This report presents analysis of threats to the United States, including the global terrorist threat; the threat of WMD proliferation; vulnerabilities of the U.S. information infrastructure to increasing cyber attacks by foreign governments and criminal elements; the growing foreign interest in counter-space programs that could threaten critical U.S. military and intelligence capabilities; issues of political stability and of national and regional conflict in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Eurasia; and concerns about the financial capabilities of Russia, China, and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and their potential use of market access to exert financial leverage to achieve political ends.

ANSER Institute for Homeland Security
Through workshops, conferences, tabletop exercises, publications, and outreach programs, the ANSER Institute for Homeland Security educates policymakers and the public on challenges to homeland security in the 21st century.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) provides fundamental antifraud training and education and specialized seminars in illicit-funds tracing and computer investigations. Numerous resources are available free from the ACFE online library or for purchase through the bookstore. Members enjoy professional networking opportunities.

BombSecurity.com
This web site provides the security and law enforcement communities with information on explosives-related protection issues, including bomb countermeasures, bomb disposal, criminal use of explosives, and terrorism counteraction. Risk assessment resources include computer software, government publications, a public-private information exchange program, and terrorism news and information services.

Center for State Homeland Security
A nonprofit partnership with the National Emergency Management Association, the Adjutants General Association of the United States, and Mitretek Systems, the center assists states and local governments in implementing their homeland security missions by supporting strategic planning and facilitating widespread access to the best available information, facilities, and tools.

Counterterrorism Office, U.S. Department of State
A primary responsibility of the U.S. Department of State's Counterterrorism Office is to develop, coordinate, and implement American counter-terrorism policy. The web site presents background and current information on the multifront, global war against terrorism, including the May 2002 Patterns of Global Terrorism report.

Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
As the government's principal source for military-related foreign intelligence, DIA provides information for policymakers and decisionmakers in support of U.S. military planning, operations, and weapon systems acquisition. Agency goals include improving threat assessment and counter-terrorism preparation, enhancing intelligence integration and interoperability, and building a skilled response community.

DNA Forensics: Expanding Uses and Information Sharing (PDF)
W.M. Dale, O. Greenspan, and D. Orokos, SEARCH, September 2006
This report explores the history of DNA use by forensic investigators, considers the economics of DNA use as it relates to public safety, and reviews privacy concerns regarding the release of an individual's genetic information. It recommends implementing procedures for a more efficient justice system while effectively addressing privacy concerns and explores issues associated with combining criminal history information with DNA data.

Fact Sheet: National Applications Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, August 15, 2007
The Department of Homeland Security's National Applications Office is the executive agent tasked with facilitating the use of the technological assets of the intelligence community for civil, homeland security, and law enforcement purposes within the United States. The office will begin operation in fall 2007 and will build on the long-standing work of the Civil Applications Committee, which was created in 1974 to facilitate use of the intelligence community's capabilities for civil, nondefense uses in the United States.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) War on Terrorism Web Pages
The FBI War on Terrorism web pages facilitate access to terrorism-related subject matter on the FBI web site. Law enforcement decisionmakers may find helpful the links to news releases, publications and other information resources, congressional testimony, and the FBI's "most wanted terrorists" list.

Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)
The USA PATRIOT Act recognized that tracking funding used for illegal activities is a viable investigative method that often leads to the location of terrorist activity, aversion of terrorist incidents, and prosecution of criminals. Under the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, financial institutions may share information to identify terrorist or money laundering activity upon notifying the U.S. Treasury Department. This web site supplies all information and tools needed by reporting institutions and is a ready reference for law enforcement personnel who want to understand the provisions of this law.

Homeland Security: DHS Enterprise Architecture Continues to Evolve but Improvements Needed (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 9, 2007
In 2003, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) designated the transformation of 22 diverse and distinct agencies into one cohesive, high-performing department — the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—as high risk. In 2006, Congress required that DHS submit a report on its enterprise architecture and a capital investment plan for implementing it. An organization's enterprise architecture is a blueprint that the company will use as a frame of reference for how best to invest its information technology dollars. This report documents the status of DHS's Enterprise Architecture 2006; analyzes architectural documents relative to prior GAO recommendations; evaluates stakeholder comments; and analyzes the implementation plan against relevant guidance.

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program
The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) works to enhance and assess terrorism prevention, response, and recovery capabilities at the federal, state, and local levels. HSEEP, a threat- and performance-based exercise program, provides doctrine and policy for planning, conducting, and evaluating exercises.

Homeland Security Information Center
The Homeland Security Information Center provides one-stop access to the collections of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Technical Information Service related to homeland security, specifically health and medicine, food and agriculture, biological and chemical warfare, preparedness and response, and safety training packages. Listed resources include publications, audiovisual materials, computer datafiles, and software.

Homeland Security Operations Centers (HSOC)
HSOC serves as the primary, national-level clearinghouse for real-time threat assessment, domestic incident management, and security-related information sharing. It also coordinates incident and response activities and issues advisories, bulletins, and protective and counter-measure guidance to homeland security partners.

Homeland Security: Preliminary Observations on the Federal Protective Service's Efforts to Protect Federal Property (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 8, 2008
Approximately 1,100 Federal Protective Service (FPS) employees and 15,000 contract guards throughout the country provide physical security and law enforcement services to approximately 8,800 facilities owned or leased by the General Services Administration. This report assesses the extent to which FPS is fulfilling its duty, the management challenges it faces, and the resources and plans in place to protect federal employees and members of the public who work in and visit federal facilities from the threat of a terrorist attack.

Information on Port Security in the Caribbean Basin (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 29, 2007
The United States is particularly interested in ensuring the security of the Caribbean Basin ports through which goods bound for this country's ports and cruise ships carrying its citizens must travel. This report was compiled in response to Section 233 (c) of the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, which requires the Government Accountability Office to report on various security-related aspects of ports in the Caribbean Basin.

Intelligence Briefing: From Training to Fusion Centers
Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, July 29, 2006
Part of the 2006 COPS Conference workshop presentation "Community Policing: Leading the Way to a Safer Nation," this briefing addresses intelligence training and the "fusion process” of gathering, analyzing, disseminating, and using information that is regarded as intelligence.

The Justice Reference Architecture (JRA) Specification—Working Draft Version 1.3 (PDF)
The Global Infrastructure/Standards Working Group, December 4, 2006
This document includes a set of requirements for justice interoperability; describes the concepts, relationships, and high-level components of Justice Reference Architecture; and provides specifications for satisfying those requirements.

Keeping Watch: Inside the Terrorist Screening Center
Federal Bureau of Investigation, August 31, 2007
This article describes the Terrorist Screening Center, created in 2003 and administered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation to merge and manage a dozen disparate watch lists of known or appropriately suspected terrorists. The screening center is staffed by liaisons from across the federal counter-terrorism community and receives hundreds of calls each week, many from municipal police running checks at traffic stops.

Lessons Learned Information Sharing (LLIS.gov)
A national network of lessons learned and best practices for emergency response providers and homeland security officials, this system seeks to improve preparedness nationwide by allowing access to a wealth of frontline expertise on the most effective planning, training, equipping, and operational practices for preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from acts of terrorism. Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements can request access to the system by registering through the network's web site.

National Academic Consortium for Homeland Security
The consortium focuses on improving the security of the United States and its worldwide assets through collaboration and information sharing among academic institutions, researchers, and scholars. Its web site offers opportunities for member institutions to share information about themselves and research projects, technology development and deployment activities, education and training programs or courses, and service activities pertaining to international and homeland security.

National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States
This commission is charged with preparing a full and complete account, including recommendations, of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The commission's web site contains archives of its work thus far, including hearings, reports, and findings.

The National Conference on Homeland Security
The National Conference on Homeland Security, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, provides a forum for enhanced education, training, risk assessment, and preparation activities associated with a terrorist attack or incident. It publishes materials, coordinates conferences, and offers resources to the first responder community. This web site offers information on homeland defense, including publications, news updates, conference information, and—for members—updates on terrorist activities and a virtual online community.

National Counterterrorism Center
U.S. National Counterterrorism Center
The National Counterterrorism Center's goal is to become the nation's center of excellence for terrorism and counterterrorism issues, orchestrating and shaping the national and international counterterrorism effort to eliminate the terrorist threat to U.S. interests at home and abroad.

National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center
The National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center (NCIRC) is a centralized virtual clearinghouse for local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement that offers information regarding law enforcement intelligence operations and practices. NCIRC can be accessed only through the Regional Information Sharing Systems® (RISS) secure network (RISSNET™) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Law Enforcement Online (LEO) site.

National Organization on Disability's Emergency Preparedness Initiative
The National Organization on Disability's Emergency Preparedness Initiative encourages the emergency management field to account for the varied needs of people with disabilities in planning and response activities and to actively involve members of this community in their efforts. The initiative also seeks to educate people with disabilities about what they can do to prepare for their own safety and survival during times of emergency and to encourage them to become partners with emergency management personnel.

National Incident Management System Compliance Assistance Support Tool (NIMSCAST)
Federal Emergency Management Agency , U.S. Department of Homeland Security
The National Incident Management System (NIMS) coordinates and integrates incident management activities and emergency support functions across federal, state, territorial, tribal, and local governments; the private sector; and nongovernmental organizations. NIMSCAST is the web-based self-assessment instrument for state, territorial, tribal, and local governments to use to evaluate and report their jurisdiction's achievement of all NIMS implementation activities released since 2004. NIMSCAST has finished integrating the 2008 NIMS Compliance Objectives into its system, and they are now available to the field.

National Infrastructure Advisory Council
The National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC) advises the President on the security of critical infrastructure sectors and their information systems. Composed of a maximum of 30 members appointed by the President from private industry, academia, and state and local government, NIAC posts reports and meeting minutes to update interested parties on the latest information and recommendations.

Nationwide Plan Review: Phase 2 Report (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Transportation,
June 16, 2006
The Nationwide Plan Review is the most comprehensive assessment of emergency operations planning for a catastrophic event to date. The review was conducted in all 56 states and territories and 75 urban areas over 6 months, where reviewers examined nearly 2,800 emergency operations plans and related documents with participation from more than 1,000 emergency managers and homeland security officials.

New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere
U.S. Department of State
Travel between the United States and the rest of the western hemisphere will now require passports or other secure, accepted forms of documentation. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative affects U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, including citizens of Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda, who previously were not required to present passports to enter the United States. This Web page presents implementation deadlines, FAQs, and other information about the initiative.

Performance Measurement for Justice Information System Projects (PDF)
M. Geerken et al., Center for Society, Law and Justice, March 2008
This guide assists criminal justice and law enforcement justice information-sharing professionals in developing performance measures for their projects and in implementing special summary performance measures that BJA has developed to meet its responsibilities under the Government Performance and Results Act.

Reorganizing U.S. Domestic Intelligence: Assessing the Options
RAND Corporation, October 22, 2008
In the wake of 9/11, Congress directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to evaluate whether the United States needs a dedicated domestic intelligence agency, separate from law enforcement, to deter terrorism. This report identifies the relevant considerations for and the pros and cons of creating such an agency.

S2 Safety & Intelligence Institute
The institute trains security, intelligence, and law enforcement professionals in critical public safety topics. Traditional classroom instruction and hands-on training are available at the institute's facility in Clearwater, Florida, and at host locations throughout the United States. Through a sister company, the S2 Online Academy, the institute also delivers distance education through its online training programs to students throughout the world.

Security of the Mail
U.S. Postal Service
This portion of the U.S. Postal Service web site provides access to current documents and news reports concerning the safety of the U.S. mail, mail facilities, and mail processing and delivery systems.

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Equipment & Communications

American Translators Association
The American Translators Association (ATA) offers publications, training opportunities, and examinations for individuals seeking certification in the translation or interpretation of languages. In addition, ATA provides online service directories to individuals or organizations seeking professional language assistance.

Biometrics Catalog
With biometric technology, facilities can use a person's physical characteristics or personal traits to identify, or verify the claimed identity of, an individual. This federally funded database provides access to information on biometric products (commercial, university/research, and governmental), tests and deployments (government and nongovernment), and consultants/analysts in the field.

Communications for Coordinated Assistance and Response to Emergencies (ComCARE) Alliance
The ComCARE Alliance promotes a coordinated and integrated approach to upgrading all emergency communications. ComCARE's E-Safety Program uses modern communications and information management technology to provide emergency responders with integrated, interoperable, and interconnected communication systems. ComCARE is also preparing an Emergency Provider Access Directory of telephone numbers, Internet and street addresses, and other relevant contact information for emergency federal, state, and local agencies in the United States.

Data Mining: Early Attention to Privacy in Developing a Key DHS Program Could Reduce Risks (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 28, 2007
The government uses data mining, a technique for extracting useful information from large volumes of data, to help detect terrorism and other threats to the nation. Despite the potential benefits, data mining also raises privacy concerns. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review a data mining tool known as ADVISE (Analysis, Dissemination, Visualization, Insight, and Semantic Enhancement), developed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to determine the tool's planned capabilities, uses, and associated benefits; and whether potential privacy issues could arise from using ADVISE to process personal information. This report discusses GAO's findings.

Department of State: Staffing and Foreign Language Shortfalls Persist Despite Initiatives to Address Gaps (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, August 4, 2006
This report identifies deficiencies in critical language skills that have prevented the State Department from fully implementing its Diplomatic Readiness Initiative and have led to staffing shortages in the agency. The report cites many mid-level positions, some critical to the war on terrorism, that remain vacant.

Don't Make the Call: The New Phenomenon of “Swatting”
Federal Bureau of Investigation, February 4, 2008
This report examines the dangerous crime of “swatting”—calling 911 and faking an emergency that draws a response from law enforcement, usually a SWAT team.

First Responders: Much Work Remains to Improve Communications Interoperability (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 2, 2007
Public safety agencies rely on timely communications across multiple disciplines and jurisdictions when responding to natural disasters, domestic terrorism, and other emergencies. This report discusses the progress that has been made in developing and implementing interoperable communications standards, as well as the extent to which U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding and technical assistance have helped to improve interoperable communications in selected states.

Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative
The Global Justice Information Sharing Initiative focuses on efficient data sharing among justice entities. The initiative is composed of several groups that represent more than 30 independent law enforcement, judicial, correctional, and related bodies.

Law Enforcement National Data Exchange (N-DEx): The National Information Sharing Imperative
Mark A. Marshall, The Police Chief, March 2007
A significant number of law enforcement agencies in the United States use computerized databases to collect incident and investigative information in their respective jurisdictions. However, moving data across different systems and political boundaries remains a significant challenge. This article discusses the Law Enforcement National Data Exchange, part of a national initiative to address deficiencies in law enforcement information sharing.

National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan
The National Criminal Intelligence Sharing Plan is a formal intelligence sharing initiative that addresses the security and intelligence needs recognized after the events of September 11, 2001. It describes a nationwide communications capability that will link together all levels of law enforcement personnel, including officers on the streets, intelligence analysts, unit commanders, and police executives, so they may share critical data.

National Emergency Number Association
The National Emergency Number Association's mission is to foster the technological advancement, availability, and implementation of a universal emergency telephone number system.

Responder Knowledge Base
Sponsored by the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, the Responder Knowledge Base provides emergency responders, purchasers, and planners with information on products, standards, certifications, grants, and other equipment-related information.

SAFECOM
SAFECOM promotes effective public safety communications and fosters interoperability among federal, state, local, and tribal communications systems. The SAFECOM web site offers resources on systems planning and grant guidance. The searchable library makes available reports and publications on public safety wireless network issues.

Spam Task Force Anti-Spam Toolkit
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Task Force, April 19, 2006
To support the development of an inclusive and coherent answer to the spam issue, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, through its ad hoc Spam Task Force, has launched an Anti-Spam Toolkit as the first step in a broader initiative to help policymakers, regulators, and industry players orient their policies relating to spam solutions and restore trust in the Internet and e-mail.

Technical Support Working Group
The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) is a national forum that identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates interagency and international research and development requirements for combating terrorism. The TSWG rapidly develops technologies and equipment to meet the high-priority needs of the counter-terrorism community, and it addresses joint international operational requirements through cooperative research and development with major allies.

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First Responders

DisasterHelp.gov
DisasterHelp.Gov is a Web site whose initial deployment is part of a larger initiative aimed at greatly enhancing disaster management on an interagency and intergovernmental basis. The objective of the initial deployment is to demonstrate the site's basic functions and to field test its presentation. The site is intended to help local, state, and tribal governments; individual citizens; private-sector businesses; nongovernmental agencies; and federal agencies locate a wide range of relevant disaster management information and services.

Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association (DERA)
DERA connects disaster researchers, response and recovery specialists, and technical experts in a network of professionals working on effective planning and response strategies. DERA resources include research projects, community preparedness workshops, tools to improve communications and logistics, a quarterly newsletter, and research projects.

Disasters and Emergencies at USA.gov
This section of USA.gov houses information on disasters and emergencies for state and local employees. It includes subtopics on agencies and organizations; best practices in preparedness and training; grants and other assistance; managing during a crisis; relief and recovery; terrorism; and types of disasters.

Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC)
EMAC is an interstate mutual aid agreement that allows states to assist one another in responding to all kinds of natural and manmade disasters. When local and federal resources are inadequate or unavailable, states can send personnel and equipment to help disaster relief efforts in other states.

E-Plan Hazmat Response System
E-Plan is a highly reliable, highly secure, Internet-accessible repository of information about facilities and hazardous materials. It was designed, built, and implemented specifically for first responders through a cooperative agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and the University of Texas at Dallas.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA staff work directly with state decisionmakers on emergency planning, response, and recovery. FEMA's Online Library includes numerous resources on preparedness and recovery. The Readiness, Response, and Recovery web pages provide emergency responders with information on publications and programs to help strengthen local strategic plans.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Map Service Center
The FEMA Flood Map Store and the Map Service Center (MSC) informational web site have been merged into a single MSC site. This new web page concept provides detailed information with interactive applications that allow the general public, disaster victims, first responders, local governments, and others to conduct business that might otherwise be handled via phone, fax, or paper.

Homeland Security: DHS Risk-Based Grant Methodology Is Reasonable, but Current Version's Measure of Vulnerability Is Limited (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, June 27, 2008
In fiscal year 2007, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security provided $1.7 billion to states and urban areas through its Homeland Security Grant Program to help them prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism or other catastrophic events. This report examines the changes for fiscal year 2008 that the department made to its risk-based methodology for allocating grant funding and considers whether the revised methodology is reasonable.

Homeland Security Leadership Journal
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 5, 2007
This journal provides a forum for talk about the department's work of protecting the American people, building an effective emergency preparedness and response capability, enforcing immigration laws, and promoting economic prosperity.

International Association of Arson Investigators
The International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) seeks to improve the education and training of investigators in explosions/fire origin and cause. The association provides grant and scholarship opportunities for law enforcement and fire service personnel and supports research in arson prevention. Through its member chapters, it also offers national certification training events. In addition, IAAI offers CFITrainer.net, provided through the Fire Grant Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This distance-learning training tool allows IAAI to present programs and resources on topics that are of immediate interest to arson investigators.

Lessons Learned & Information Sharing (LLIS)
Developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the LLIS program was designed to facilitate efforts to prevent and respond to acts of terrorism across all disciplines and communities throughout the United States. The program also provides an online forum where emergency responders can discuss incident responses, share contact information, and provide feedback about acts of terrorism.

National Association of State EMS Directors
The National Association of State EMS Directors, which acts as the voice for national emergency management services (EMS) policy, is committed to the development of effective, integrated, community-based, universal, and consistent EMS systems. The association also provides technical support, certification information, and authoritative publications to its members and other interested persons.

National Emergency Responder Credentialing System FAQ (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, NIMS Integration Center, October 24, 2005
Upon completion of its development by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Emergency Responder Credentialing System will identify and help to mobilize swift, safe, and successful support from qualified responders to assist U.S. communities during emergencies. This document describes the concept of verifying the credentials of these incident managers and emergency responders and answers commonly asked questions.

National Fire Fighter Near-Miss Reporting System
This is a voluntary, nonpunitive, confidential, and secure online reporting system with the goal of improving firefighter safety.

Nationwide Plan Review: Phase 2 Report (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Transportation,
June 16, 2006
The Nationwide Plan Review is the most comprehensive assessment of emergency operations planning for a catastrophic event to date. The review was conducted in all 56 states and territories and 75 urban areas over 6 months, where reviewers examined nearly 2,800 emergency operations plans and related documents with participation from more than 1,000 emergency managers and homeland security officials.

Northeast States Emergency Consortium
The Northeast States Emergency Consortium is a not-for-profit natural hazard mitigation and emergency management organization that develops, promotes, and coordinates natural disaster and emergency management activities throughout the northeast.

Organizing First Responder Resources (PDF)
TechBeat, Spring 2008
This article discusses Critical Incident Response & Disaster Recovery Assistance (CIRDRA), an asset inventory and resource management system for categorizing, indexing, locating, tracking, and sharing critical resources during emergency preparedness, readiness, response, and recovery activities. Available at no charge to qualified first responder agencies, CIRDRA uses a simple open-source design with a tiered hierarchy to help state and local law enforcement and emergency management departments organize their resources.

Pandemic Planning and Response for State IT: Where's My Staff? (PDF)
National Association of State Chief Information Officers, November 2007
This brief focuses on how to maintain critical operations during a pandemic outbreak. Pandemics are unique in that they affect an organization's workforce as opposed to its physical infrastructure, and therefore require a radically different approach for recovery efforts. Planning in response to a pandemic event should include an incident management component that involves an incident command response and identifies the key members and players needed for a comprehensive solution to the plans that are developed.

Responder Knowledge Base
Sponsored by the National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, the Responder Knowledge Base provides emergency responders, purchasers, and planners with information on products, standards, certifications, grants, and other equipment-related information.

Violence on Campus: Practical Recommendations for Legal Educators
H. Smith, S. Thomas, and C.M. Parker, University of Tennessee Legal Studies, January 2008
In the wake of several mass killings by troubled and angry students at college campuses, universities must enact violence prevention strategies. This paper provides guidelines for identifying characteristics of potentially violent students and suggests possible violence prevention measures to help law enforcement and educators.

Weapons of Mass Destruction First Responders
This web site was created by first responders to help improve the response capabilities of emergency communications centers, EMS, fire, rescue, hazmat, law enforcement, bomb squads, SWAT, hospitals, public health, risk management, security, emergency management, public works, disaster management, American Red Cross, and other responder agencies/organizations. The site provides a forum for information sharing, networking, planning, and research.

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International Security

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
CSIS researchers focus on challenges to national and international security and stability and emerging global issues such as biotechnology, information warfare, and terrorism. CSIS works to develop national and international public policy as well as community strategies for law enforcement, first responders, and security agencies.

DCI Counterterrorist Center (CTC), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Under the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Office at the CIA, CTC analyzes the groups and states responsible for international terrorism and coordinates the intelligence community's counter-terrorism activities. Through the Interagency Intelligence Committee on Terrorism, CTC shares information with the intelligence, security, law enforcement, regulatory, and defense communities.

International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals (IACSP)
During strategic planning, law enforcement professionals can benefit from the knowledge of their peers, and IACSP members provide a network ready for tapping. The association provides education and information for the public, promotes international cooperation in counter-terrorism policy, and publishes the Journal of Counterterrorism and Security International for law enforcement, government, and military professionals.

PortAUL: Air University Library & Press
This U.S. Air Force portal site contains and cites articles, databases, and other references pertaining to topics such as intelligence and international terrorism. It is updated regularly, and the general public can access many of its items.

Confronting Terrorism: Peace & Security
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs provides online information resources on U.S. policy and current issues, including terrorism and international security. This web site presents up-to-date information on government decisions and international developments.

Terrorism Prosecutions, International Security Law Project, Center for Defense Information
This web site provides a news ticker, analytical articles, and links to relevant federal law and international conventions endorsed by the United States that pertain to the prosecution of terrorism suspects.

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Medical & Public Health Issues

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Bioterrorism Planning and Response
To improve the Nation’s capacity to respond to bioterrorism, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has been studying and improving links between the clinical care delivery system and the public health infrastructure. This work is a critical component of the larger initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to develop public health programs to combat bioterrorism.

Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
As an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ATSDR serves to protect the public from harmful exposures and diseases related to toxic substances by using the best sciences, taking responsive public health actions, and providing trusted health information.

Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program (AVIP)
AVIP will vaccinate military personnel and emergency-essential U.S. Department of Defense employees and contractors. The web site provides information and education tools for teaching about anthrax, the anthrax vaccine, and AVIP; a bibliography of relevant medical journal articles; and links to related information and resources.

Atopic Dermatitis and Vaccinia Network (ADVN)
ADVN is a nationwide research group that seeks to reduce the risk of contracting eczema vaccinatum, a severe and potentially deadly complication of smallpox immunization. Launched by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, ADVN comprises three integrated components: a clinical studies consortium, an animal studies consortium, and a statistical and data coordinating center.

AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide
American Veterinary Medical Association, 1996–2008
This guide provides planning resource information for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency managers, and others concerned about animals, animal and public health, and other veterinary issues during emergencies and disasters.

Bt ToolBox: A Web-based Resource Center for Bioterrorism Preparedness
Sponsored by the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the Bt Toolbox is a directory of emergency preparedness information for local public health systems. This online resource includes a searchable database of response plans, emergency protocols, tabletop exercises, training curricula and programs, outbreak investigation tools, treatment plans, and other helpful tools.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a comprehensive list of resources related to biological, chemical, and radiological terrorism.

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
Organized in the early 1950s, CSTE responds to the need for the surveillance and study of infectious diseases, chronic diseases and conditions, and environmental health concerns. It supports the use of effective public health surveillance and good epidemiological practice through training, capacity development, and peer consultation to develop standards for practice and advocate for resources and scientifically based policy.

Drug Preparedness and Response to Bioterrorism
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
To help prepare our country for possible bioterrorism attacks, the Food and Drug Administration is working with other federal agencies to ensure that adequate supplies of medicine and vaccines are available to the American public. This web page provides links to the most current information on drug therapy and vaccines, plus advice on purchasing and taking medication.

Emergency Medical Services Division
The Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS), part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, continues its mission to reduce death and disability by providing leadership and coordination of comprehensive, evidence-based emergency medical services and 911 systems. The national EMS office, in close coordination with its federal partners, will serve its constituents with a coordinated, consensus-based process to reinforce the vital role of the EMS community in shaping and realizing its own future.

Emergency Preparedness Resource Inventory
This web-based tool will help local, regional, and state planners compile customized inventories of health care and emergency resources by allowing communities to assess their regional supply of critical resources, prepare for incident response, estimate gaps in resources, and support future resource investment decisions. In addition to the software tool, an implementation report reviews the system, describes the pilot test, and highlights the lessons learned. A technical manual summarizes the installation process, security and confidentiality protections, reporting functions, steps to monitor data quality, and communicating with users.

Food Safety.Gov
This web site serves as a gateway to government food safety information. Among the links are news and safety alerts, consumer information, information on food-borne pathogens, and a mechanism for reporting illnesses and product complaints.

Institute for Vaccine Safety
The Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, provides an independent assessment of vaccines and vaccine safety to help guide decisionmakers and educate physicians, the public, and the media about vaccine safety. The Institute's goal is to work toward preventing disease using the safest vaccines possible against anthrax, smallpox, and other diseases.

Laboratory Response Network
Partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Association of Public Health Laboratories, the Laboratory Response Network maintains an integrated network of state and local public health, federal, military, international, and environmental testing laboratories that can respond both to biological and chemical terrorist incidents and other public health emergencies.

Launch of Global Early Warning System for Animal Diseases Transmissible to Humans
World Health Organization, July 24, 2006
A global early warning system for animal diseases that can be transmitted to humans has been formally launched by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health, and the World Health Organization. This system, the Global Early Warning and Response System (GLEWS), is the first joint early warning and response system conceived for predicting and responding to animal diseases worldwide.

National Animal Identification System
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
The National Animal Identification System (NAIS) was established to identify and track animals that may come into contact with animals other than herd mates. NAIS makes rapid tracing possible in the event of an intentional or unintentional disease outbreak.

National Center for Disaster Preparedness
Located at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, the National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP) is an academically based resource dedicated to preparing the frontline public health workforce to deal with biological and terrorist threats. NCDP is also dedicated to developing and providing distance-based learning and Internet programs to teach public health professionals how to plan and prepare for a terrorist event or infectious disease outbreak.

National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), U.S. Department of Homeland Security
As the lead federal agency for health and medical services within the National Response Plan, NDMS manages and coordinates federal health, medical, and health-related social services and recovery to major emergencies and federally declared disasters. NDMS consists of three components: medical response to disaster areas, patient movement from disaster areas, and medical care at participating hospitals.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Biodefense Research
This site features biodefense-related information for biomedical researchers, the public, and the media.

Pandemic Influenza Response and Preparedness Plan
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
The Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan is a coordinated strategy to prepare and respond to an influenza pandemic. This Web page is intended to be dynamic and interactive and will be updated and revised regularly.

Physician Preparedness for Acts of Water Terrorism
This online terrorism preparedness guide provides access to resources that will help health care practitioners recognize, manage, and prevent water-related disease resulting from intentional acts of water terrorism. The guide was developed to assist the medical and public health community as well as public utility and emergency response professionals. Access to this online tool and preparation may make the difference between a controlled response to an act of water terrorism and a public health crisis.

Preparing for the Next Pandemic
M.T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, July/August 2005
According to the author, if an influenza pandemic struck today, borders would close, the global economy would shut down, international vaccine supplies and health care systems would be overwhelmed, and panic would reign. To limit this fallout, Osterholm recommends that the industrialized world create a detailed response strategy involving the public and private sectors.

Preventing Fatalities in Building Bombings: What Can We Learn From the Oklahoma City Bombing?
Mary T. Glenshaw, Ph.D., M.P.H., OTR/L, et al., Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1(1): 27–31, 2007, ©2007 American Medical Association
This study assesses factors associated with fatality risk among individuals exposed to the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

Rand Center for Domestic and International Health Security
The Center for Domestic and International Health Security is a multidisciplinary research collaboration housed at RAND. The Center's mission is to improve global health, and to protect the health of the American homeland by strengthening our defenses against terrorist attacks.

Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program
The Toxicology and Environmental Health Information Program (TEHIP) maintains a comprehensive web site that links to resources produced by TEHIP and by other government agencies and organizations. Users can access databases, bibliographies, tutorials, and other scientific and consumer-oriented resources. TEHIP also is responsible for the Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET), an integrated system of toxicology and environmental health databases that are available free on the web.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Counterterrorism
The FDA's Office of Crisis Management is responsible for preparing the agency for a range of possible terrorist events. This office maintains round-the-clock coverage for the agency and coordinates emergency response activities in the five FDA centers and the Office of Regulatory Affairs.

What We Learn About Smallpox from Movies—Fact or Fiction
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This web page addresses some of the most notable misconceptions that might result from fictional programs about smallpox and links to detailed information about the disease.

World Trade Center: Preliminary Observations on EPA's Second Program to Address Indoor Contamination (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 20, 2007
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center blanketed Lower Manhattan with a mixture of building debris and combustible materials, creating concern that thousands of residents and workers in the area would be exposed to known hazards in the air and dust, such as asbestos, lead, glass fibers, and pulverized concrete. In May 2002, New York City formally requested federal assistance to address indoor contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an indoor clean and test program from 2002 to 2003, and announced a second test and clean program in December 2006. This testimony addresses EPA's actions to implement recommendations from an expert panel and the Inspector General, the completeness of information EPA provided to the public in its second plan, and EPA's assessment of available resources for conducting the program.

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Threat Assessment

17 Arrested in Canadian Terror Plot; Worldwide Links
Anti-Defamation League—Terrorism, July 9, 2006
Seventeen Canadian residents were arrested and charged with plotting one of the biggest terrorist operations in North America since the September 11 terrorist attacks. The alleged plot was to use truck bombs against targets in southern Ontario, including power plants, the Toronto Stock Exchange, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. It also included a plan to take hostages at Ottawa's Parliament building and behead the prime minister if the government did not pull its troops out of Afghanistan and release Muslim political prisoners, according to court documents.

Al Qaeda Messaging/Attacks Timeline v6.9 (PDF)
IntelCenter, May 27, 2008
This timeline covers statements, other significant public and semipublic communications, and significant attacks by al Qaeda and its affiliates from January 2003 to May 27, 2008.

Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP)
This nonprofit organization provides members with a forum for the exchange of experience and assessment/intervention techniques. ATAP reviews case studies to provide perpetrator profiles, identify warning signs, and recommend preventative measures for law enforcement personnel, mental health professionals, and security experts involved in threat analysis.

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs (BCSIA), Harvard University
By studying national security, international security, technology development, and conflict resolution, BCSIA analyzes the threat of terrorism and its causes and makes recommendations to prevent and fight it. BCSIA sponsors frequent seminars, workshops, and conferences; maintains a substantial specialized library; and publishes books, monographs, and discussion papers.

The Changing Face of Risk (PDF)
Center for Strategic and International Studies, May 2006
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Global Strategy Institute devoted its April 2006 meeting to the theme “The Changing Face of Risk.” At the conference, speakers and participants with deep insight on the issues of risk discussed topics that stretched from traditionally defined geopolitical risk and global hotspots, to economic and financial risk, to new threats such as avian flu. This document provides a summary of the meeting.

Estimating Terrorism Risk (PDF)
H.H. Willis et al., RAND Center for Terrorism Risk Management Policy, © 2005
This report discusses the authors' argument that the goal of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security should be to allocate funds to those areas that can most effectively reduce terrorism risk, rather than spending money in areas facing the greatest risk.

Homeland Security: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Collaboration at 24/7 Operations Centers Staffed by Multiple DHS Agencies (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, October 20, 2006
U.S. Department of Homeland Security information gathering and analysis centers help detect, deter, and prevent terrorist acts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This report examines the missions, products, and functions of four multiagency operations centers, and assesses the extent to which efforts to promote collaboration among the multiple agencies responsible for these centers reflect key practices for enhancing and sustaining collaborative efforts.

Information on Port Security in the Caribbean Basin (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 29, 2007
The United States is particularly interested in ensuring the security of the Caribbean Basin ports through which goods bound for this country's ports and cruise ships carrying its citizens must travel. This report was compiled in response to Section 233 (c) of the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006, which requires the Government Accountability Office to report on various security-related aspects of ports in the Caribbean Basin.

Is the Sky Falling? Energy Security and Transnational Terrorism (PDF)
Michael Mihalka and David Anderson, Strategic Insights, July 2008
This paper assesses the extent to which transnational terrorists—in particular, global jihadists associated with Osama bin Laden—have been interested in attacks against the global energy infrastructure. The authors then assess the extent to which terrorists have, in fact, targeted that infrastructure and with what effect. Finally, they place the attacks in the context of other supply-disruption events and make suggestions about a viable way ahead.

National Counterterrorism Center
U.S. National Counterterrorism Center
The National Counterterrorism Center's goal is to become the nation's center of excellence for terrorism and counterterrorism issues, orchestrating and shaping the national and international counterterrorism effort to eliminate the terrorist threat to U.S. interests at home and abroad.

National Infrastructure Protection Plan (Full Version) (PDF)
Executive Summary (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 30, 2006
The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) provides a coordinated approach to critical infrastructure and key resource protection roles and responsibilities for federal, state, local, tribal, and private-sector security partners. NIPP sets national priorities, goals, and requirements for effectively distributing funding and resources, which will help ensure that our government, economy, and public services continue if a terrorist attack or other disaster occurs.

National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC), U.S. Secret Service
NTAC provides law enforcement and related professionals with timely and effective assistance necessary to develop threat assessment programs and investigate and prevent targeted violence.

Office of the Director of National Intelligence
The Director of National Intelligence helps ensure that the intelligence community's budget is well spent, that the military and civilian intelligence community is working together as a team abroad and at home, and that communitywide analysis is objective, timely, and relevant to the nation's needs.

Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive (NCIX)
NCIX is responsible for producing a national threat identification and prioritization assessment, formulating a national counterintelligence strategy, developing policies for counterintelligence training, and exploring counterintelligence technology needs and solutions.

Public Entity Risk Institute
The Public Entity Risk Institute (PERI), which serves public, private, and nonprofit organizations, supports the development and delivery of education and training on all aspects of risk management. It also is building a national database of loss information to help public officials improve the performance of their risk programs while simultaneously developing comparative performance measurement and best practices. In addition, PERI operates a grant and research program in risk management, environmental impairment liability, and disaster management.

Terrorism, 2000/2001 (PDF)
Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2004
This report provides an overview of terrorist incidents (those which occurred and those which were prevented) in the United States and its territories. In addition, the report discusses FBI investigations overseas and provides a more comprehensive picture of the totality of the FBI's response to international terrorism.

The Intelligence and Terrorism Alert Network (TITAN)
TITAN is an information-sharing initiative and alert network between the Los Angeles Field Intelligence Group and the Joint Terrorism Task Force that collects information about terrorist operations and related criminal activities and disseminates it to law enforcement and critical asset partners within southern California.

Transportation Security Administration Myth Busters Archive
Transportation Security Administration
This online archive provides accurate information, including documentation, to debunk some current myths and misconceptions surrounding the Transportation Security Administration's security policies and procedures.

USAF Suicide Bombers Intelligence Brief
This PowerPoint presentation, which appeared in the October 2003 issue of InfoCon Magazine, raises awareness of a potential new threat to the nation—suicide bombers. Included are key points on spotting suicide bombers based on incidents in other areas of the world.

U.S., Mexico Team Up To Arrest Mexican Fugitive from Justice
Washington File, U.S. Department of State, June 20, 2006
In a June 19 statement, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency said Pedro Castorena, a “most wanted” fugitive, had been arrested two days earlier in Guadalajara, Mexico, by Mexican law enforcement authorities and ICE agents. Agents seized counterfeit manufacturing laboratories and tens of thousands of blank counterfeit identity documents from the Castorena Family Organization, one of the largest fraudulent document organizations to operate in the United States and Mexico.

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Transportation Security

Airport Law Enforcement Agencies Network (ALEAN)
ALEAN is a nonprofit organization composed of both domestic and foreign airport law enforcement agencies and port authorities and their associated national law enforcement, regulatory, or intelligence agencies. ALEAN's mandate is to facilitate the rapid exchange of information concerning airport-related crimes between member agencies, to achieve a better understanding of the unique problems germane to airport policing, to offer its insight and experience to governmental agencies and elected representatives, and to provide a safer, more secure environment for the traveling public.

AirSafe.com
This independent site is a free reference for air safety and accident information.

Aviation Crime Prevention Institute, Inc.
The Aviation Crime Prevention Institute, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the elimination of aviation-related crime through education of the aviation industry worldwide, cooperation between the aviation industry and law enforcement agencies, and communication of information and security procedures to all.

Department of Transportation's Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities
The Department of Transportation's Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities web site contains information to ensure safe and secure transportation for people with disabilities during a disaster or emergency. The site includes advice on emergency preparedness, transportation accessibility, and evacuation methods for individuals with disabilities to enhance their reactions to and planning for a terror or other emergency situation.

Emergency Transportation Operations, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
The Federal Highway Administration has constructed this web site to give state and local agencies simple access to information on improving security in the surface transportation system.

Highway Watch®
Highway Watch®, which is administered by the American Trucking Associations under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, uses the skills, experiences, and road smarts of the nation's transportation workers to help protect critical infrastructure and the transportation of goods, services, and people. Highway Watch ® participants are trained to recognize potential safety and security threats and to avoid becoming a target of terrorists. Training opportunities are available.

Rail Security Project
The Rail Security Project (RSP) is a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of explosives detection technologies, operations, and training for protecting passengers. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Counter-Measures Test Beds Program will use the data from the project to identify which technologies and operational procedures should be further developed or refined.

Reagan National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport Unveil Explosives Detection Trace Portal Machines
Transportation Security Administration, January 9, 2006
The Transportation Security Administration has deployed explosives detection trace portal machines to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport. The two airports join Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and 23 others nationwide in a program designed to prevent explosives material from getting on-board commercial aircraft.

Safety and Security Home Page, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation
This Federal Transit Administration web site about public transit safety and security provides specific information on training for transit personnel and ways to improve emergency preparedness and increase the public's awareness of security issues.

Smart and Secure Tradelanes Initiative
The Smart and Secure Tradelanes Initiative (SST) is based on open standards and the existing U.S. Department of Defense Joint Total Asset Visibility solution. SST is designed to create a baseline capability in container security and tracking. The program motivates supply chain partners to more actively secure their supply chains and to participate in U.S. initiatives such as Operation Safe Commerce and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

Trains Transporting the Most Toxic Hazardous Materials Must Use Safest, Most Secure Route
U.S. Department of Transportation, April 16, 2008
A new federal rule requires that railroads route trains carrying the most toxic and dangerous hazardous materials on the safest and most secure route.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA protects the Nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA issues and administers Transportation Security Regulations, which establish security rules for all modes of transportation (including civil aviation).

Transportation Security: Efforts to Strengthen Aviation and Surface Transportation Security Continue to Progress, but More Work Remains (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, April 15, 2008
This report examines the progress of the Transportation Security Administration and other U.S. Department of Homeland Security components in securing the nation's aviation and surface transportation systems, the challenges that remain, and crosscutting issues that have impeded the agency's efforts to strengthen security.

Travel.State.Gov
Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State
This web site contains the most up-to-date information on visas, passports, travel warnings, law enforcement initiatives, and laws and regulations regarding travel to and from the United States.

TSA Expanding National Explosives Detection Canine Teams to Mass Transit and Commuter Rail Systems
Transportation Security Administration, September 28, 2005
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has announced that it will expand the National Explosives Detection Canine Team Program to include 10 mass transit and commuter rail systems.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Targets High Risk Hazardous Materials in Transit
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, December 15, 2006
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to vastly strengthen the security of the nation's rail systems in the highest threat urban areas. The proposed rule is part of a package of new security measures that will require freight rail carriers to ensure 100 percent positive hand-off of toxic inhalation hazard (TIH) materials, establish security protocols for custody transfers of TIH rail cars in high threat urban areas, and appoint a rail security coordinator to share information with the federal government, as well as to formalize the Transportation Security Administration's freight and passenger rail inspection authority. The proposed rule was posted to the Federal Register on December 21, 2006 and is open for public comment for 60 days.

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Weapons of Mass Destruction

Chemical and Biological Defense Information Analysis Center (CBIAC)
CBIAC serves as a center for the acquisition, compilation, analysis, and dissemination of information relevant to chemical warfare and chemical and biological defense technology. CBIAC products and services include reports, briefings, technology assessments, software development, information system design, studies and analyses, conferences, working groups, and training courses.

Chemical Emergency Preparedness and Prevention Office (CEPPO), Environmental Protection Agency
CEPPO provides leadership, advocacy, and assistance to prevent and prepare for chemical emergencies, respond to environmental crises, and inform the public about chemical hazards. The web site includes information on chemical-accident prevention and risk management programs, relevant laws and regulations, federal contingency plans for emergency response, and technical guidance documents. CEPPO also offers weekly e-mail updates on chemical safety through a listserv.

Counterproliferation Program and Chemical & Biological Defense Program (CP/CBD)
The CP/CBD Program works to ensure that the United States has the military capacity to operate effectively and decisively in the face of nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare threats at home or abroad.

Fallout Calculator 2.0
Federation of American Scientists, Last modified: September 8, 2005
This Java-based interactive calculator shows the distribution of fallout by wind from nuclear bomb blasts of various yields. Users may select from an assortment of virtual satellite maps of major world cities.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Laboratory
The FBI Laboratory provides investigative, technical, and field response support and training to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Lab units include explosives, hazardous materials response, and materials analysis. The laboratory's Forensic Science Research and Training Center is the primary means for transferring new concepts, techniques, and procedures to the forensic science and law enforcement communities.

The Gilmore Commission
The Gilmore Commission, also known as the Advisory Panel To Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction, assesses domestic capabilities for responding to terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction. Commission reports can help law enforcement decisionmakers evaluate preparedness, assess training needs, and determine appropriate response roles.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
LLNL is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that applies cutting-edge science and engineering to maintain confidence in the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile in the absence of nuclear testing. LLNL research and programs focus on national security, energy, biomedicine, and environmental science.

Nuclear Radiological Threat Reduction Task Force
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), November 3, 2003
NNSA has established the Nuclear Radiological Threat Reduction Task Force to boost U.S. efforts against the threat posed by radiological dispersion devices. Among other missions, the task force will identify, secure, and store temporarily high-risk radiological materials that could be used as dirty bombs; establish an inventory of vulnerable nuclear reactors worldwide; and develop a plan of action to mitigate their vulnerabilities.

Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI)
NTI works to strengthen global security by reducing the risk and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction. NTI promotes public awareness and dialog, develops model programs and initiatives, and disseminates educational and training resources to meet its goal and reduce global threats.

Nuclear Weapon Effects Calculator
Developed by the Federation of Scientists, this interactive tool gives an idea of the devastating effects of a nuclear weapon detonated at ground level.

Potential Terrorist Use of Pressure Cookers
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, February 4, 2004 (reprint)
This bulletin alerts frontline border inspectors and agents, state and local officers, and other first responders that terrorist organizations continue to be interested in using innocuous items to package improvised explosive devices, a technique commonly taught in Afghan terrorist training camps.

Proliferation Threat Assessment
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, July 12, 2005
This web page offers an audio discussion and PowerPoint presentation of global proliferation dangers based on the new Carnegie study, Deadly Arsenals: Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Threats. The authors present their analysis, including new maps and charts from their book, before chairing a discussion of their findings with experts from the audience. The presentation focuses in detail on the nuclear capabilities of North Korea and Iran, and the proliferation challenges stemming from the new U.S. relationships with India and Pakistan. The authors also explain why they no longer use the term, "weapons of mass destruction."

Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control
The Wisconsin Project, a nonprofit research organization operating under the auspices of the University of Wisconsin, has been investigating transfers of nuclear- and missile-related technology since 1986. To help exporters and governments secure dangerous products, the project maintains a database that lists suspected buyers in sensitive emerging markets. Many articles from this database are provided on the web site.

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