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Program & Process Evaluation

A Look at Terrorist Behavior: How They Prepare, Where They Strike
NIJ Journal, No. 260, July 2008
This study found that most terrorists live close to their selected targets, and they engage in a great deal of preparation—some over the course of months or even years—that has the potential of coming to the attention of local law enforcement.

America Still Unprepared—America Still in Danger (PDF)
Council on Foreign Relations, October 2002
"A year after September 11, America remains dangerously unprepared to prevent and respond to a catastrophic terrorist attack on U.S. soil." In response to this key finding—reached by an independent, bipartisan task force including former Secretaries of State, former Joint Chiefs of Staff, and a former Director of the FBI and CIA—this report lays out a series of recommendations intended to help the nation prepare for and respond to acts of terrorism in the near future.

Aptitude for Destruction, Volume 1: Organizational Learning in Terrorist Groups and Its Implications for Combating Terrorism (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2005
Learning is the link between what a group wants to do and its ability to actually do it; therefore, a better understanding of group learning might contribute to the design of better measures for combating terrorism.

Are We Ready for Prime Time? Assessing the State of Emergency Readiness in the Nation's Capital (PDF)
Hearing Before the U.S. Committee on Government Reform, April 2003
This hearing covered the progress of the national capital region for planning and emergency preparedness response. The first of three panels present at the hearing focused on government planning in the federal, state, and district level; the second focused on law enforcement; and the third focused on some of the private entities involved with emergency planning in the national capital region.

Assessing and Managing the Terrorism Threat (PDF)
Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005
This monograph presents the essential components of risk assessment and management, including criticality, threat, and vulnerability assessments; countermeasure identification; risk calculation; and critical infrastructure and key asset inventory. One of four Promising Practices Reviews from the Post-9/11 Policing Project, it discusses the challenging demands put on law enforcement to effectively and efficiently collect, assess, disseminate, and act on intelligence information regarding transnational and domestic terrorist threats.

Aviation Security: TSA's Change to Its Prohibited Items List Has Not Resulted in Any Reported Security Incidents, but the Impact of the Change on Screening Operations Is Inconclusive (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 25, 2007
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits individuals from carrying items that it deems threatening to the aircraft and its passengers onboard an aircraft to protect the civil aviation system from improvised explosive devices. For the traveling public and the transportation security officers who conduct passenger screenings, TSA maintains a list of prohibited items. This report identifies changes made to this list in December 2005 and examines their impact.

Beyond the Beltway: Focusing on Hometown Security
Executive Session on Domestic Preparedness, September 2002
This report provides recommendations to help federal, state, and local officials work together to secure domestic preparedness at all levels. Chapters discuss urgent needs and issues including personnel shortfalls, management of the psychological impact of terrorism, public health coordination, law enforcement planning, private sector engagement, regional preparation, domestic military efforts, public affairs, and the problem of sustaining domestic preparedness efforts.

Border Security: Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored U.S. Border Locations (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, September 27, 2007
Although Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has taken steps to secure the 170 ports of entry on the northern and southern U.S. borders, unmanned and unmonitored areas between these ports may be vulnerable. In unmanned locations, CBP uses surveillance cameras, unmanned aerial drones, and other technology to watch for illegal activity. In some unmanned locations, however, CBP does not have this equipment and must rely on alert citizens or other sources of information to protect the border. This testimony addresses what GAO investigators found when they assessed seven of these border areas. In three of the four locations on the U.S.-Canada border, investigators carried a duffel bag across the border to simulate the cross-border movement of radioactive materials or other contraband. Safety considerations prevented investigators from attempting to cross into the United States from any of the three unmonitored ports on U.S.-Mexico border.

Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, December 6, 2006
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program to collect, maintain, and share data on selected foreign nationals entering and exiting the United States at air, sea, and land points of entry. These data, including biometric identifiers such as digital fingerprints, are to be used to screen persons against watch lists, verify visitors' identities, and record arrival and departure. In this report, the Government Accountability Office analyzes efforts to implement US-VISIT entry and exit capabilities and DHS's efforts to define how US-VISIT fits with other emerging border security initiatives.

Building Intelligence to Fight Terrorism (PDF)
The Brookings Institution, September 2003
This Policy Brief (#125) analyzes intelligence efforts under the current homeland security plan and recommends that policymakers go further to build a new intelligence system to support transformed national security needs.

Building Security Responsibilities for Federally Owned and Leased Facilities (PDF)
General Accounting Office, October 2002
This report reviews guidelines and policies established to protect buildings that are federally owned or leased. The report identifies federal departments and agencies responsible for protecting such buildings.

Combating Terrorism: Law Enforcement Agencies Lack Directives to Assist Foreign Nations (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, October 4, 2007
Three U.S. national strategies, developed in the wake of the September 11 attacks, directed law enforcement agencies to focus on preventing terrorist attacks. These strategies called for agencies to intensify their efforts to help foreign nations identify, disrupt, and prosecute terrorists. This testimony addresses (1) the guidance for law enforcement agencies to assist foreign nations in identifying, disrupting, and prosecuting terrorists and (2) the extent to which agencies have implemented this guidance.

Combating Terrorism: U.S. Efforts to Address the Terrorist Threat in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas Require a Comprehensive Plan and Continued Oversight (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, May 20, 2008
During 2002–2007, the United States reimbursed the Pakistani military more than $5 billion for its efforts to neutralize al Qaeda and prevent the establishment of a safe haven in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. This report discusses the progress of U.S. national security goals in these locations, the status of U.S. efforts to develop a comprehensive plan, and the oversight of U.S. reimbursements to Pakistan.

Common Misconceptions about Disasters: Panic, the “Disaster Syndrome,” and Looting (PDF)
Erik Auf der Heide, 2004
This paper identifies a few common misconceptions about disasters and shows how these can lead to ineffective responses. Because most field disaster research has been conducted in the United States, the discussion focuses on lessons learned from domestic disasters, although some nondomestic examples are included. Although evidence suggests that some of these findings may apply to disasters worldwide, one must be cautious in extrapolating the data because of the social, cultural, economic, and political differences in other countries.

Confronting the Enemy Within: Security Intelligence, the Police, and Counterterrorism in Four Democracies
RAND, 2004
This report analyzes the experiences of domestic intelligence agencies in France, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom in an effort to help guide counter-terrorism and intelligence initiatives in the United States.

Considering the Effects of a Catastrophic Terrorist Attack (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2006
In this report, the authors carry out a scenario analysis and strategic gaming regarding a catastrophic terrorist attack on the Port of Long Beach . The report presents the results of this investigation. Many of the primary results from the analysis are included in the appendixes.

Continuity of Operations (COOP) in the Executive Branch: Background and Issues for Congress (PDF)
R. Eric Petersen, Congressional Research Service, Updated November 8, 2004
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, policymakers renewed their interest in ensuring that the U.S. government will continue to work in the aftermath of substantial disruptions. This report discusses the background of continuity of operations planning and elements of an effective plan. It also reviews current policies that govern such planning for the executive branch.

Coordinating the War on Terrorism (PDF)
RAND Corporation, March 2004
This paper addresses the challenges in coordinating different diplomatic, intelligence, and military activities both at home and overseas as they relate to the war on terrorism and includes a vision for a White House coordinating process and for the shape of the newly created Terrorist Threat Integration Center.

Countering Al Qaeda: An Appreciation of the Situation & Suggestions for Strategy (PDF)
RAND, 2002
According to this report, the United States is now in a second, more complex phase of the war on terrorism. The report outlines strategies designed to help the United States continue its efforts to destroy al Qaeda, combat terrorism as a mode of conflict, and orchestrate international cooperation for counter-terrorism strategies.

Criminal Intelligence Sharing: A National Plan for Intelligence-Led Policing at the Local, State, and Federal Levels (PDF)
International Association of Chiefs of Police, August 2002
This report outlines proposals made by participants at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Criminal Intelligence Sharing Summit held in March 2002. The proposals for a national intelligence plan emphasize the potential for community-oriented policing initiatives to help gather locally driven intelligence and promote collaboration among federal and nonfederal agencies to coordinate the collection, analysis, dissemination, and use of criminal intelligence data in the United States. The report also includes recommendations for implementing the plan and discusses the next steps.

Crisis Information Management Software (CIMS) Feature Comparison Report
National Institute of Justice, October 2002
This report compares 10 crisis information management software products currently used by emergency management agencies. Information provided will help agency decisionmakers assess the performance of a product—respective of agency priorities, requirements, and conditions of operation—and use that information for the procurement process.

Critical Incident Protocol: A Public and Private Partnership (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, 2000
This report discusses the essential processes of public- and private-sector collaborations to plan for emergencies, including planning, mitigation, business recovery, lessons learned, best practices, and plan implementation.

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.

Defense Acquisitions: An Analysis of the Special Operations Command's Management of Weapon System Programs (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 28, 2007
The Special Operations Command (SOCOM) was established in 1987 to oversee the training, doctrine, and equipping of all U.S. Special Operations Forces. This report includes an assessment of the types of acquisition programs SOCOM has undertaken since 2001and whether the programs are consistent with its mission, the extent to which SOCOM's programs have progressed as planned, and the challenges SOCOM faces in managing its acquisition programs.

Defense Acquisitions: Missile Defense Needs a Better Balance between Flexibility and Accountability (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, April 13, 2007
Over the next 5 years, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) expects to invest $49 billion in developing the ballistic missile defense system, fielding new capabilities every 2 years. In January 2006, MDA initiated Block 2006 to protect against attacks from North Korea and the Middle East. This report examines the progress of each capability being developed, laws that apply to major acquisition programs, and the impact of quality initiatives once they are implemented.

Defense Management: DOD Needs to Establish Clear Goals and Objectives, Guidance, and a Designated Budget to Manage Its Biometrics Activities (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 2008
In response to unconventional threats from terrorists, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) uses biometric technologies that identify physical attributes, including fingerprints and iris scans. However, coordinating the development, implementation, and interoperability of these systems has been difficult. This report assesses DOD's efforts.

Department of Defense Training for Operations with Interagency, Multinational, and Coalition Partners (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2008
The U.S. military works with other U.S. government agencies, international organizations, private and nongovernmental organizations, and foreign militaries using military and nonmilitary means such as intelligence sharing, diplomacy, and developmental assistance. This report provides suggestions for how the U.S. military can help prepare its personnel to work successfully with interagency, multinational, and coalition partners. It recommends a comprehensive approach to integrated operations that takes into account those operations' component tasks, training requirements, and personnel management.

Department of Homeland Security: A Strategic Approach Is Needed to Better Ensure the Acquisition Workforce Can Meet Mission Needs (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, November 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is one of the largest procurement spending agencies in the federal government. This report recommends that DHS take several actions to better address acquisition workforce challenges, including: establishing an interim acquisition workforce definition and an implementation plan for current initiatives; developing plans as appropriate to expand current initiatives; establishing a coordinated planning process; and improving acquisition workforce data. DHS generally concurred with these recommendations and noted efforts under way to address them.

Department of Homeland Security: Better Planning and Oversight Needed to Improve Complex Service Acquisition Outcomes (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, May 8, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security has relied on contracts with independent businesses to acquire the services it needs to meet its expansive mission. Federal procurement policy prefers a performance-based approach, which focuses on developing measurable outcomes rather than on prescribing how contractors should perform services. This report reviews selected contracts, prior procurement reviews, management documents and plans, and related data.

Economic Dimensions of Security in Central Asia (PDF)
RAND Corporation, January 2007
This report analyzes a study of economic and security trends in Central Asia by RAND Project AIR FORCE that suggests that the United States should balance its strategic military relations in the region with the potentially disparate goal of fostering domestic reform and sustainable economic development. Central Asia 's economic future, the frequency of regime changes, and economic and military assistance to the region are discussed.

E-Passports: A Strategy for Long-Term Success
Ha Nguyen, Paul Rosenzweig, and James Jay Carafano, April 13, 2004
This executive memorandum from The Heritage Foundation provides perspectives on privacy issues and implementation of the e-passport program, which, as of October 24, 2004, will require visitors from visa-waiver countries to use e-passports that contain biometric information.

Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration, August 2004
This report surveys best practices from several fire departments that have developed emergency vehicle safety procedures.

Engaging Privacy and Information Technology in a Digital Age
Committee on Privacy in the Information Age, Computer Science and Telecommunications Board, National Academies Press, May 4, 2007
This comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment of privacy in the information age examines the evolution of threats to online privacy, how to protect privacy, and how to balance individual, business, and government interests to reasonably and effectively promote privacy. This report provides an indepth look at trends in information technology as they relate to privacy concerns and is intended to contribute to the analysis and understanding of interconnected privacy issues.

Engaging the Private Sector To Promote Homeland Security: Law Enforcement-Private Security Partnerships (PDF)
Bureau of Justice Assistance, 2005
This monograph describes the advantages of law enforcement-private security partnerships in preventing terrorism and terror-related acts and protecting the nation's infrastructure. One of four Promising Practices Reviews from the Post-9/11 Policing Project, it reviews the background of law enforcement-private security partnerships, discusses why these partnerships are important to homeland security, provides nine guidelines for collaboration, and profiles a number of local and regional programs and initiatives and state and federal programs.

Fact File: A Compendium of DARPA Programs (PDF)
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), August 2003
DARPA's mission is to maintain the technological superiority of the U.S. military and prevent technological surprise from harming U.S. national security. Written for use with DARPA's Strategic Plan, this document provides short summaries of selected programs from the agency's research portfolio. It concentrates on eight strategic thrusts and three enduring foundations, including counter-terrorism and cognitive computing projects and biorevolution.

Fact Sheet on Force-on-Force Exercises at Nuclear Power Plants
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, July 2003
In February 2003, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission decided to establish an expanded Force-on-Force exercise pilot program. These Force-on-Force exercises are intended to be a primary means of conducting performance-based testing of a licensee's security force and its ability to prevent radiological sabotage. These exercises include a wide array of federal, state, and local law enforcement and emergency planning officials in addition to licensee and NRC personnel.

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Factors for Future Success and Issues to Consider for Organizational Placement (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 2006
The nation's next major response and recovery challenge, whether natural or man-made, will test FEMA's efforts to improve its preparedness and capability. Although organizational structure is important, future success is likely to depend principally on focus, skilled leadership, clear roles and responsibilities, operational plans realistically exercised, and key resources appropriately and effectively deployed.

First Responders' Ability to Detect and Model Hazardous Releases in Urban Areas Is Significantly Limited (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, June 2008
Local first responders still do not have tools to accurately identify right away what, when, where, and how much chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear materials are released in U.S. urban areas, accidentally or by terrorists. Equipment that local first responders typically use to detect radiological and nuclear material cannot predict the dispersion of these materials in the atmosphere, and no agency has the mission to develop, certify, and test equipment.

The Fourth Annual Report to the President and the Congress of the Advisory Panel to Assess Domestic Response Capabilities for Terrorism Involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (PDF)
The Gilmore Commission, 2002
The congressional commission chaired by former Governor James Gilmore has adopted several recommendations for its fourth annual report to the President and the Congress, including recommendations for intelligence collection, analysis, and dissemination. The report assesses the United States' capabilities for responding to terrorist incidents that involve weapons of mass destruction. Response capabilities at the federal, state, and local levels are examined, with a particular emphasis on the latter two.

Government Activities to Protect the Electric Grid (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, October 20, 2004
According to the Congressional Research Service, the electric utility system is vulnerable to outages caused by a range of activities, including system operator errors, weather-related damage, and terrorist attacks. Although the electric utility industry is primarily responsible for protecting its assets, federal and state government agencies also address its physical security concerns. This report describes initiatives of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, and Defense to protect the physical transmission infrastructure.

Hezbollah: Born With a Vengeance
Hala Jaber, 1997, Columbia University Press
Jaber is an international journalist who has written extensively on Middle-Eastern affairs, with a focus on Lebanon. In this exposé, she provides a view of Hezbollah tactics, history, ideology, and culture based on interviews with members of the organization's inner circle. This book is available through libraries, bookstores, and online vendors.

Homeland Insecurity: Building the Expertise to Defend America From Bioterrorism (PDF)
Partnership for Public Service, July 2003
This document assesses five key federal biodefense agencies, indicating that the Federal Government's ability to fend off bioterror attacks is currently in jeopardy due to a shortage of science and medical experts.

The Homeland Security Authorization Bill: Streamlining the Budget Process
James Jay Carafano, April 15, 2004
This executive memorandum from The Heritage Foundation offers considerations for rethinking congressional oversight of national security funding and initiatives.

Homeland Security: A Competitive Strategies Approach (PDF)
Center for Defense Information, March 2002
This report lays out a strategic framework for thinking about homeland security, examining fundamental priorities for those concerned about the tradeoffs and choices that are the essence of strategy. It suggests a number of sustainable and competitive approaches to the major security challenge facing America's policymakers today.

Homeland Security: Challenges in Creating an Effective Acquisitions Organization (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 2006
In fiscal year 2005, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) delegated almost $17.5 billion to acquire a wide range of goods and services. DHS ‘s acquisition portfolio includes procurements for sophisticated screening equipment for air passenger security; technologies to secure the nation's borders; trailers to meet the housing needs of Hurricane Katrina victims; and the upgrading of the Coast Guard's offshore fleet of surface and air assets. This testimony addresses DHS's success in promoting collaboration among its various organizations, and challenges faced in integrating the acquisition function across the department.

Homeland Security: Coordinated Planning & Standards Needed to Better Manage First Responder Grants in the National Capital Region (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, June 2004
The National Capital Region (NCR), comprising jurisdictions in the District of Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia, is a significant potential target for terrorism. This report found that NCR faces several challenges in organizing and implementing efficient and effective regional preparedness programs, including the lack of (1) a coordinated strategic plan for enhancing preparedness, (2) performance standards, and (3) a reliable, central source of data on funds available and the purposes for which they are spent.

Homeland Security: Departmentwide Integrated Financial Management Systems Remain a Challenge (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 21, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in March 2003 and told to develop an integrated financial management system to provide timely, reliable, and useful financial information for its 22 diverse agencies. This report examines whether DHS has fully developed plans for implementing and migrating all its agencies to such a departmentwide system; the extent to which funds spent on this effort have been used successfully; and ways DHS can incorporate best practices into its plans for migrating to a departmentwide financial management system.

Homeland Security: Domestic Preparedness After September 11, 2001
Executive Session on Domestic Preparedness, November 2001
This memorandum highlights issues of importance to state and local domestic preparedness decisionmakers, including federal, state, and local roles; prevention techniques; domestic preparedness; and operational and programmatic sustainment.

Homeland Security: Information Sharing Responsibilities, Challenges, and Key Management Issues
U.S. General Accounting Office, May 2003
This document reports on the Department of Homeland Security's information sharing efforts, including (1) the significance of information sharing in fulfilling the department's responsibilities, (2) related prior analyses and recommendations for improving the Federal Government's information sharing efforts, and (3) key management issues that the Department of Homeland Security should consider in developing and implementing effective information sharing processes and systems.

Homeland Security: Management and Programmatic Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 10, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with stakeholders in the federal, state, local, and private sectors, plays an important role in leading and coordinating the nation's homeland security efforts. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has conducted numerous reviews of DHS management functions, such as transportation and border security, immigration enforcement and service delivery, and disaster preparation and response. This testimony addresses GAO's designation of DHS's implementation and transformation as high risk; specific management challenges that DHS faces; and actions that DHS should take to strengthen its implementation and transformation efforts.

Homeland Security: Management of First Responder Grants in the National Capital Region Reflects the Need for Coordinated Planning and Performance Goals (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, June 2004
The Office for National Capital Region Coordination (ONCRC) was established to oversee and coordinate federal programs for and relationships with state, local, and regional authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR), which comprises jurisdictions in the District of Columbia and surrounding jurisdictions in Maryland and Virginia. This study found that it is difficult for ONCRC to fulfill its responsibilities because NCR does not have a baseline for emergency preparedness, a plan for prioritizing expenditures and assessing their benefits, and reliable information on funds available for and spent on first responder needs.

Homeland Security: Observations on DHS and FEMA Efforts to Prepare for and Respond to Major and Catastrophic Disasters and Address Related Recommendations and Legislation (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, May 15, 2007
As a new hurricane season approaches, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must prepare for the season while implementing its reorganization and other provisions of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. The Act directs FEMA to make major changes intended to enhance its preparedness for and response to catastrophic disasters. FEMA faces continued challenges, including clearly defining leadership roles and responsibilities, developing necessary disaster response capabilities, and establishing accountability systems for providing effective services while protecting against waste, fraud, and abuse. This testimony summarizes the Government Accountability Office's findings on these challenges and FEMA's efforts to address them and discusses several disaster management issues that need continued congressional attention.

Homeland Security: Overstay Tracking Is a Key Component of a Layered Defense (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, October 16, 2003
Four hijackers involved in the September 11 terrorist attacks entered the United States with legal visas but overstayed their authorized periods of admission. This report assesses the current U.S. visa tracking system to determine improvements that can be made to increase domestic security.

Homeland Security: Responses to Posthearing Questions Related to the Department of Homeland Security's Integrated Financial Management Systems Challenges (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, August 10, 2007
On June 28, 2007, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security at a hearing entitled, "Financial Management Systems Modernization at the Department of Homeland Security: Are Missed Opportunities Costing Us Money?" The hearing discussed DHS's failed efforts to implement the Electronically Managing Enterprise Resources for Government Effectiveness and Efficiency (eMerge2) program that was expected to integrate financial management systems across the entire department. This letter responds to Congress's July 10, 2007 request for responses to queries relating to GAO's testimony.

Homeland Security: Some Progress Made, but Many Challenges Remain on U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 2005
This study analyzes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program and expenditure plan. US-VISIT collects, maintains, and shares information about select foreign nationals who travel to the United States.

Homeland Security: Transforming Departmentwide Financial Management Systems Remains a Challenge (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 21, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in March 2003 and told to develop an integrated financial management system to provide timely, reliable, and useful financial information for its 22 diverse agencies. This testimony, based on the Government Accountability Office's recent report Homeland Security: Departmentwide Integrated Financial Management Systems Remain a Challenge (GAO-07-536), summarizes DHS's efforts to transform its financial management system, identifies key challenges to this transformation, and highlights things that should be considered when forming the foundation for successfully transforming a financial management system.

How Prepared Are State and Local Law Enforcement for Terrorism? (PDF)
Rand Corporation, 2004
A national survey of state and local law enforcement agencies 1 year after September 11, 2001 shows that agencies have bolstered their preparedness efforts, but substantial variation exists in their approach to preparedness and in the preparedness needs of local agencies in small and large counties. The survey results provide an important baseline for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as it continues working to meet its mandate of helping first responders to improve their terrorist preparedness efforts in areas such as training, exercises, and equipment support.

Human Capital: DOD's Civilian Personnel Strategic Management and the Proposed National Security Personnel System (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, May 2003
This statement by the Comptroller General of the United States provides preliminary observations on aspects of the U.S. Department of Defense's proposal to make changes to its civilian personnel system. The report discusses the implications of such changes for governmentwide human capital reform.

If Disaster Strikes Today Are You Ready to Lead? A Governor's Primer on All-Hazards Emergency Management
National Emergency Management Association, May 2003
This primer on all-hazards emergency management highlights for new governors and their staffs the importance of maintaining a viable emergency management program. It also provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the state emergency management agency and the resources and capabilities that exist to maintain a coordinated statewide response and recovery system.

Improving Civilian Workforce Planning (PDF)
RAND Corporation, May 2006
The U.S. Department of Defense is striving to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of its civilian workforce and to address impending personnel challenges. This publication illustrates that planning could be improved by focusing on workforce demand, especially customer-demand projections.

Information Technology: Homeland Security Needs to Improve Entry Exit System Expenditure Planning (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO), June 2003
This report documents GAO's mandated review of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's plan to acquire and deploy an entry exit system to help monitor the flow of foreign nationals in and out of the United States.

Influenza Pandemic: Efforts to Forestall Onset Are Under Way; Identifying Countries at Greatest Risk Entails Challenges (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, June 21, 2007
Since 2003, a global epidemic of avian influenza has raised concern about the risk of an influenza pandemic among humans which could cause millions of deaths. This report describes U.S. and international efforts to assess pandemic risk by country and prioritize countries for assistance, and strategies that have been implemented to forestall and prepare for a pandemic.

Improving Disaster Management: The Role of IT in Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Committee on Using Information Technology to Enhance Disaster Management, National Research Council, National Academies Press, 2007
In the E-Government Act of 2002, Congress instructed the Federal Emergency Management Agency to request that the National Research Council conduct a study on the application of information technology (IT) to disaster management. This report characterizes disaster management as providing a framework for considering the range and nature of information and communication needs; examines the potential for IT to improve disaster management; analyzes structural, organizational, and other nontechnical barriers to acquiring, adopting, and effecting use of IT in a disaster; and outlines a research program for strengthening IT-enabled capabilities for disaster management.

Inside Terrorism
Bruce Hoffman, 1998 (Columbia University Press)
This book analyzes past and present international terrorism trends and clarifies different types of terrorism motivators and goals, particularly those related to religious and political ideology. The author discusses current terrorist groups' access to, and their likelihood of using, weapons of mass destruction. Inside Terrorism is available through libraries, bookstores, and online vendors.

Law Enforcement and Arab American Community Relations After September 11, 2001: Engagement in a Time of Uncertainty
N.J. Henderson et al., Vera Institute for Justice, June 2006
A two-year study of relations between Arab Americans and law enforcement personnel in the United States following September 11, 2001 found that Arab Americans fear the intrusion of federal policies and practices even more than individual acts of hate or violence. It also revealed that many local police officers are reluctant to enforce immigration law. This report identifies examples of partnerships and innovations that have successfully bridged gaps identified in the study. It cites recommendations and opportunities for restoring trust and creating alliances to reduce crime and address terrorism and other public safety concerns.

Less Talk, More Walk: Strengthening Homeland Security Now (PDF)
Center for Defense Information, 2002
This paper discusses the challenges associated with strengthening homeland security in terms of the numerous agencies and bureaucracies established during the past decades to deal with the problem.

Measuring and Evaluating Local Preparedness for a Chemical or Biological Terrorist Attack (PDF)
RAND, 2002
This issue paper examines local organizations' preparedness to respond to chemical and biological terrorism incidents. The authors advocate establishing nationally representative measures of local responder preparedness.

The MIPT Terrorism Annual 2006 (PDF)
National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, 2006
The MIPT Terrorism Annual contains articles from some of the world's foremost experts on terrorism, such as Peter Chalk, Brian A. Jackson, Rollie Lal, William Rosenau, and Farhana Ali. Topics include change and continuity in terrorist tactics over the past 25 years; profiles of female suicide bombers; maritime terrorism in the contemporary era; and the role of subversion in terrorism. This volume also features essential terrorism statistics for 2005.

National Security and Private-Sector Risk Management for Terrorism
Lloyd Dixon and Robert T. Reville, originally published in Seeds of Disaster, Roots of Response, chapter 18, pp. 292–304, © 2006 Cambridge University Press, reprinted by RAND with permission
Much of the discussion around the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act has focused on the failure of the terrorism insurance markets. This document argues that the connection between the terrorism insurance and compensation policy and national security provides another rationale for public intervention in insurance markets. High rates for terrorism insurance or other forms of compensation for terrorism losses can enhance economic resilience and encourage national cohesion and solidarity after an attack.

Northern Border Security: DHS's Report Could Better Inform Congress by Identifying Actions, Resources, and Time Frames Needed to Address Vulnerabilities (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, November 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security report to Congress in February 2008 provided a listing of northern border vulnerabilities and initiatives to address them, but did not include recommendations and additional resources that are needed to protect the northern border. The lack of such information makes it difficult for Congress to consider future actions and resources needed. According to this report, DHS is developing northern border strategic plans and a risk-management process to help guide and prioritize action and resources, but has not fully implemented recommendations from past GAO evaluations.

Options for DHS Human Resources Management Systems: Design Team Report to the Senior Review Committee
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, October 2003
This report presents options for developing a human resources system in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The options, which are conducive to the missions of the department, address pay, performance, classification, labor relations, adverse actions, and appeals.

Options for Transitional Security Capabilities for America (PDF)
RAND Corporation, June 2006
In Iraq and elsewhere, the United States needs law enforcement capabilities to maintain stable operations. This report examines the characteristics of such a force and the functional and organizational challenges that must be faced in creating it. The author evaluates five major options, both civilian and military, for creating these forces and assesses each option under nine criteria for effectiveness. He concludes with a clear picture of each option's strengths and weaknesses and suggests specific areas to be examined to assess how best to create the force.

Partnerships in Preparedness: A Compendium of Exemplary Practices in Emergency Management, Volume IV (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, January 2000
This publication contains information about more than 30 exemplary emergency management programs. Each entry includes a program description and information about the program's budget, funding sources, and target population. Programs are listed alphabetically by state and indexed by title, subject, location, and contact for ease of use. Also see earlier volumes.

Planning Guide: Improving Local and State Agency Response to Terrorist Incidents Involving Biological Weapons (Revised June 2003) (PDF)
U.S. Army Soldier and Biological Chemical Command, June 2003
This guide offers principles to help communities evaluate current emergency operations plans and standard operating procedures and incorporate additional planning actions for an effective response to a terrorist incident involving biological weapons. It also covers 13 decision components that address three operational phases of response: continuous surveillance, active investigation, and emergency response.

Police Personnel Challenges After September 11: Anticipating Expanded Duties and a Changing Labor Pool (PDF)
RAND Corporation, November 2005
This paper should be of interest to administrators of law enforcement agencies and policymakers at all levels of government. It focuses on personnel planning in local law enforcement agencies, but its lessons and recommendations can apply to state and federal law enforcement, as well as intelligence and immigration enforcement agencies.

A Prescription for Safeguarding Against Terrorist Attacks
Journal of Homeland Security, July 2006
Much of the literature on terror developed after the attacks of September 11 has focused on the psychology of terrorism rather than on identifying attacks that may occur. Although the psychology of terrorists is important, we must remember that terrorists, whoever they may be (Middle Eastern, Asian, European, or domestic), will use whatever available tools they are trained to use. This publication discusses ways to prepare for these forces.

Radiation Disasters and Children: Q & A (PDF)
American Academy of Pediatrics, 2003
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers this information to address precautions and responses, particularly for children, in the event of a radiation disaster. The statement describes the risks unique to children in emergency planning, sheltering, and medical treatment, including the appropriate use of potassium iodide.

A Report from the Task Force on State and Local Homeland Security Funding (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 2004
This report provides findings and recommendations for expediting the flow of homeland security funds to ensure that emergency managers, first responders, and law enforcement officials in the United States receive the federal funds they need to protect their communities in a timely manner. It also outlines various innovative best practices that select jurisdictions have put in place to support the procurement and delivery of emergency response equipment.

Research and Development for Combating Terrorism (PDF)
Technical Support Working Group, 2002
This report describes the organization and activities of the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), which conducts an interagency research and development program for combating terrorism. The working group balances technology and capability development efforts among the four pillars of combating terrorism: intelligence support, counter-terrorism, anti-terrorism, and consequence management.

A Review of the FBI's Handling of Intelligence Information Related to the September 11 Attacks (PDF)
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Justice, November 2004
This document reports on an audit of the FBI's Terrorist Screening Center. It acknowledges the success of the new consolidated terrorist watch list, which contains names of suspected terrorists, and cites deficiencies with the watch list database, such as its accuracy and completeness.

Rural Communities and Emergency Preparedness (PDF)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 2002
This paper addresses rural emergency preparedness by (1) describing rural public health infrastructures, (2) giving an overview of rural emergency preparedness, and (3) presenting the perspectives and experiences of state offices of rural health in responding to emergencies and in enhancing responsiveness to their states' rural communities.

Secretary Tom Ridge Announces Members and First Meeting of the Homeland Security Advisory Council
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 2003
On June 25, 2003, Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced the appointment of 18 individuals to serve as members of the Homeland Security Advisory Council. The council will provide advice and recommendations to the Secretary on homeland security-related issues.

Secretary Tom Ridge Announces State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee Members and Representatives
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 1, 2003
Secretary Tom Ridge announced the appointment of 13 individuals to serve as representatives of the State and Local Officials Senior Advisory Committee to the Homeland Security Advisory Council. This committee will also include members from the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National Association of Counties.

Sooner Spring: Validating Oklahoma Bioterrorism Planning (PDF)
National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, April 2002
A set of five exercises undertaken by the state of Oklahoma, Sooner Spring was conducted on April 12–13, 2002 to identify the state's level of readiness to meet the threat of biological terrorism. This final report describes the executive tabletop exercise.

State and Local Approaches Program Series Bulletin: Erie County, New York, Response Readiness Emergency Preparedness Team (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, 2002
The innovative approaches to WMD terrorism preparedness implemented by the Response Readiness Emergency Preparedness Team of Erie County, New York, are highlighted for the benefit of those who want to emulate an established, working program. ODP's State and Local Approaches Program Series strives to enhance the ability of state and local jurisdictions to develop, plan, and implement WMD preparedness programs through information sharing while enhancing their ability to use new resources. (For more information on the State and Local Approaches bulletins, please contact Gabrielle Meszaros-Parada at 202–307–6061.)

State and Local Responses to Terrorism (ASCII)
National Institute of Justice, June 1995
This report describes the results of a study to address how states and municipalities perceive the threat of terrorism and explains how to identify promising state and local counter-terrorism programs.

State and Urban Area Homeland Security Plans and Exercises: Issues for the 109th Congress (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, March 3, 2006
This brief report summarizes state and urban homeland security matters, including the certification of state and urban area homeland security plans and how exercises are conducted to test these plans.

Terrorism and the Chemical Infrastructure: Protecting People and Reducing Vulnerabilities
Committee on Assessing Vulnerabilities Related to the Nation's Chemical Infrastructure, National Research Council, National Academies Press, 2006
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security requested this study to help it characterize and mitigate the vulnerabilities of the nation's chemical infrastructure. It examines classes of chemicals and chemical processes; assesses the likely impact of disruption of the supply chain; identifies actions to help prevent disruption and to mitigate loss and injury should disruption occur; describes incentives and disincentives to preventative and mitigating actions; and recommends scientific, engineering, and economic research and development that might advance the nation's capability to protect against losses and minimize their impact.

Terrorism: An Introduction (4th edition)
Jonathan R. White, 2003 (Wadsworth Publishing Company)
This book provides an overview of worldwide terror analyses, covering domestic and international terrorist threat topics such as the origins of modern terrorism and terrorist groups, religious terrorism, ethnic terrorism, and violent extremism in the United States. A new chapter was added in response to the terror attacks of September 11 that includes sections on the theology of al Qaeda and homeland defense. This updated text may be purchased from bookstores and online vendors or borrowed through public libraries.

Terrorism: The New Occupational Hazard (PDF)
Edward Rappaport, March 2002
This report reconsiders workplace safety programs and general employer responsibilities in light of the emerging threat of terrorism in the United States.

The Threat of Pandemic Influenza: Are We Ready? Workshop Summary
National Academies' Press, Board on Global Assessment, 2005
According to this report, recent expert consultation convened by the World Health Organization concluded that "the unpredictability of influenza viruses and the speed with which transmissibility can improve means that the time for preparedness planning is now." Strong national infrastructures for public health law are needed to address influenza and should be developed to support the delivery of essential services, assign public health powers, and safeguard human rights.

Transportation Security Administration's Processes for Designating and Releasing Sensitive Security Information (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, November 30, 2007
Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, federal agencies have faced the challenge of protecting sensitive information from terrorists and others without “a need to know” while sharing this information with parties who do need it. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS's) Transportation Security Administration, through its authority to identify, label, and protect information it deems to be “sensitive security information” (SSI), prohibits the public disclosure of information obtained or developed in the conduct of security activities that, for example, would be detrimental to transportation security. An assessment was completed of DHS's status in establishing criteria and examples for identifying SSI; efforts in providing training to those who must identify and designate SSI; processes for responding to requests to release SSI, including the legislative mandate to review various types of requests; and efforts in establishing internal controls that define responsibilities for monitoring SSI policies and procedures.

Transportation Security Administration's Suspension of the Butane Lighter Ban Onboard Commercial Aircraft (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, December 5, 2008
This briefing, required by the explanatory statement accompanying the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008, assesses the Transportation Security Administration's intention to stop enforcing the prohibition on butane lighters onboard aircraft.

U.S. Capitol Police: Status of Efforts to Address Prior GAO Recommendations on Administrative and Management Operations (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, May 1, 2008
This report comments on the progress the U.S. Capitol Police have made to address concerns over accountability, risk management, financial management, strategic and human capital planning, and information technology.

U.S. Chemical Safety Board Strategic Plan: Fiscal Years 2007–2012 (PDF)
Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism, February 2007
The Chemical Safety Board revised their strategic plan in 2006 to place a heightened emphasis on investigations, studies, recommendations, and outreach efforts that have the potential to make a significant impact on chemical safety. Proposed goals include investigating chemical accidents, conducting safety studies, broadly disseminating agency findings, successfully closing safety recommendations, and targeting the development and retention of a high-performance workforce.

U.S. Postal Service: Better Guidance Is Needed to Improve Communication Should Anthrax Contamination Occur in the Near Future
U.S. General Accounting Office, April 2003
By examining an anthrax incident at a postal service center in Wallingford, Connecticut, in 2001, this report analyzes guideline requirements for informing postal workers about anthrax contamination and offers recommendations for improving communication in the future.

Working Group Papers Prepared for the National Policy Forum on Terrorism, Security and America's Purpose (PDF)
The New America Foundation, September 2005
On September 6–7, 2005, the New America Foundation convened a major national policy forum to examine the challenge of international terrorism and how best to confront it. The forum brought together national and international public leaders, policymakers and scholars, security and intelligence officials, media personnel, and citizens to help formulate a comprehensive plan for addressing the threat of terrorism around the world. 

Step-By-Step Guides

Are You Ready? A Guide to Citizen Preparedness
Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 2002
This guide for private citizens and their families draws on several disaster-related resources to provide general information about natural and manmade disasters, including terrorism and acts of war. The section entitled "For More Information" identifies references that offer additional information on preparing for national security emergencies.

Bombs: Protecting People and Property (PDF)
United Kingdom's Home Office, 1999
This handbook provides management staff in the private and public sectors with effective strategies to deter and detect bomb attacks, reduce the consequences of an explosion, and create security and evacuation plans. It discusses precautions and responses to five possible attack scenarios: a delivered bomb, incendiary devices, a bomb in the building, a bomb outside the building, and telephoned bomb threats.

Building Strong Police-Immigrant Community Relations: Lessons from a New York City Project
Vera Institute of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, U.S. Department of Justice, August 22, 2005
This document describes a COPS-funded project with the Vera Institute of Justice, which works in conjunction with the New York City Police Department to strengthen relations between police and new immigrant communities. Police officials met with members of three immigrant communities in a series of forums to discuss barriers to trust, strategies for building better police-community relations, and broader policy concerns affecting the police-community relationship. The report will assist police departments, local government officials, and community groups in building good relations between the police and immigrant communities.

Chemical, Biological, and Radiation Threats: A Guide for Aid Workers
International Medical Corps & UCLA Center for International Medicine, 2003
Chemical, biological, and radiation threats place aid workers and the populations they serve at risk. This step-by-step guide prepares aid organizations and their field workers to operate in environments where chemical, biological, and radiation threats are present. A text-only version of the information on the CD-ROM is available on the International Medical Corps web site.

Chemical/Biological/Radiological Incident Handbook
Central Intelligence Agency, October 1998
This handbook guides first responders on making a preliminary assessment of a situation when a possible chemical, biological agent, or radiological material is suspected. Indicators and symptoms of each type of incident are discussed, tips for personal safety and decontamination are presented, and a checklist of what to report to appropriate authorities is provided.

Combating Terrorism: The Challenge of Measuring Effectiveness (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, November 23, 2005
CRS designed this report to assist in the understanding and application of broad-based objective criteria when evaluating progress in the nation's efforts to combat terrorism.

Community Crisis Response Team Training Manual
Office for Victims of Crime, September 1998
This manual outlines methods and tactics communities can use to prepare for and respond to crisis situations. It was developed as a training guide for individuals and communities interested in coordinating a crisis response team.

Crisis Communication in Terror Attacks: A Guide for Chief Executive Law Enforcement Officers
Police Executive Research Forum, 2003
Terror attacks and bioterror events require different communication approaches than do natural disasters or industrial accidents. Conveying time-critical information to the public during a crisis is essential. However, as this guide conveys, police chiefs also bear a responsibility for public education, media management, crisis management, and overall crisis leadership.

Elements of Effective Bioterrorism Preparedness: A Planning Primer for Local Public Health Agencies (PDF)
National Association of County and City Health Officials, January 2001
This report provides local public health officials with guidance in identifying their public health and safety roles in response to a bioterrorism emergency and coordinating efforts with neighboring local and state public health systems, criminal investigation agencies, and other emergency management authorities.

Emergency Management Guide for Business and Industry
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1996
This guide presents a step-by-step approach to emergency planning, response, and recovery for companies or organizations of all sizes.

Emergency Planning Initiative Guide on the Special Needs of People With Disabilities for Emergency Managers, Planners, and Responders (PDF)
National Organization on Disability (NOD), 2002
This guide assists emergency preparedness personnel in their planning efforts directed at people with disabilities. It offers steps to ensure that the needs and situations of people with disabilities are taken into account in all four phases of emergency management (mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery). Limited free copies are available from NOD.

Emergency Responder Guidelines (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, August 2002
This guide provides first responders with recommended training requirements (and a synopsis of the training necessary) to effectively and safely respond to an act of terrorism involving the use of weapons of mass destruction. Guidelines are organized by training level: awareness, performance, and planning and management.

Fact Sheet: National Emergency Training Center
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 26, 2003
This fact sheet describes the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, which includes the National Fire Academy and the Emergency Management Institute.

A Federal Employee's Emergency Guide (PDF)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2003
This guide educates federal employees on the repercussions of various attack scenarios and identifies the steps that employees can take before and during an attack to mitigate the event's effects.

Federal Manager's/Decision Maker's Emergency Guide (PDF)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 2003
This brochure provides federal managers at all levels with general guidance on their responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect their employees in the event of an emergency or terrorist attack.

Field Operations Guide for Disaster Assessment and Response (FOG) (Version 3.0) (PDF)
U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, 1998
This guide is a reference tool for individuals sent to disaster sites to perform initial assessments or to participate as members of a disaster assistance response team. The guide contains information on the general responsibilities of disaster responders, reference materials for assessing and reporting on populations at risk, and general information related to disaster activities.

Fiscal Year 1999 State Domestic Preparedness Support Program: Assessment and Strategy Development Tool Kit (ASCII or PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, May 2000
This toolkit suggests ways that state administrative agencies can assess their preparedness for terrorist attack and develop strategies for improvement. This document was prepared for the Fiscal Year 1999 State Domestic Preparedness Equipment Program.

General Security Risk Assessment (PDF)
American Society for Industrial Security, 2003
This document presents security guidelines designed to increase the effectiveness and productivity of security practices and solutions.

Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning: State and Local Guide (101), Chapter 6, Attachment G: Terrorism (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, April 2001
This guide helps state and local emergency planners develop and maintain a plan for responding to and recovering from terrorist-initiated incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. The guide discusses hazards, situations and assumptions, operations, organization and assignment of responsibilities, and administration and logistics.

A Guide for Explosion and Bombing Scene Investigation
National Institute of Justice, June 2000
This guide recommends procedures for public safety personnel to follow at every explosion scene, focusing on those related to identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence. The guide discusses procuring equipment and tools, prioritizing initial response efforts, evaluating and documenting the scene, processing evidence at the scene, and completing and recording the scene investigation.

Guide to Developing Effective Standard Operating Procedures for Fire and EMS Departments (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Fire Administration
This guide was developed to assist emergency services managers in establishing effective standard operating procedures within their organizations.

Hazardous Materials Emergency Planning Guide (PDF)
National Response Team, 2001
This 2001 update of the original 1987 publication provides guidance on developing state and local hazardous substance emergency response plans, with emphasis on encouraging plan integration and coordination. Overviews of relevant legislation are included to help decisionmakers integrate local emergency response plans with legislated requirements.

Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program: Vol. 1: Overview and Doctrine (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, February 2007
This publication provides guidance on the design, conduct, and evaluation of terrorism threat- and performance-based exercises. This volume discusses a uniform approach to exercise design, development, implementation, conduct, and evaluation.

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, Volume II: Exercise Evaluation and Improvement (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, February 2007
This document offers proven methodology for evaluating homeland security exercises and implementing an improvement program.

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, Volume III: Exercise Program Management and Exercise Planning Process (PDF)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, February 2007
This manual helps planners establish a homeland security exercise program and outlines a standardized design, development, conduct, and evaluation process adaptable to any type of exercise.

Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, Volume IV: Sample Exercise Documents and Formats (PDF) (TOC and Introduction only)
Office for Domestic Preparedness, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 2004
This restricted document provides sample exercise materials referenced in volumes I–III of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program reference manuals. Some materials in the document (e.g., scenario examples) necessitate confidential restrictions. As such, volume IV is available through the ODP Secure Portal and can only be accessed by authorized users. To gain access to the portal, call 800-368-6498.

How To Respond to an Anthrax Threat: Basic Briefing (PDF)
U.S. General Services Administration, 2001
This training module, intended for people who sort, deliver, and open mail, provides the facts about anthrax, identifies what to look for in a suspicious letter or package, outlines steps to take if the presence of anthrax is suspected, and tells you whom to call if you receive a threat.

How To Respond to an Anthrax Threat: Advanced Module (PDF)
U.S. General Services Administration, 2001
This training module, intended for managers and trainers in mail facilities, describes forms that anthrax may take, symptoms and effects of an anthrax exposure, treatment for exposure to anthrax, steps to take immediately if the presence of anthrax is suspected, and resources available to help in the event of a threat.

If Disaster Strikes Today Are You Ready to Lead? A Governor's Primer on All-Hazards Emergency Management
National Emergency Management Association, May 2003
This primer on all-hazards emergency management highlights for new governors and their staffs the importance of maintaining a viable emergency management program. It also provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the state emergency management agency and the resources and capabilities that exist to maintain a coordinated statewide response and recovery system.

Introduction to NBC Terrorism: An Awareness Primer and Preparedness Guide for Emergency Responders (PDF)
Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response Association, October 2001
This monograph provides first responders with an introduction to the types of weapons (nuclear, biological, and chemical) they may be exposed to in a terrorist attack. It advises responders on quick and efficient rescue and treatment of victims and control or containment of the disaster scene.

Jane's Workplace Security Handbook
Jane's Special Reports
This security threat manual may be used to brief organizational planners and employees on the best measures to adopt to safeguard personnel against terrorist threats in the workplace or when traveling.

Keeping Your Jewish Institution Safe (PDF) (Online Prepublication Edition)
Anti-Defamation League, February 2003
This guide was designed to help institutions develop safety plans by complementing the professional counsel of police and security officials. Issues discussed include relationships with emergency personnel, responding to explosives threats, weapons of mass destruction, armed assaults and suicide bombers, schools and summer camps, holidays and special events, and postincident reviews.

Law Enforcement Intelligence: A Guide for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Agencies
David L. Carter, Ph.D., November 23, 2004
This guide, produced with support from the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, provides fundamental information about the contemporary law enforcement intelligence function in its application to state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. The current issues of law regarding intelligence records systems are incorporated to help law enforcement agencies develop or enhance their intelligence capacity. This guide should prove instrumental in fighting terrorism and other crimes while preserving hard-won community policing relationships.

Leading From the Front: Law Enforcement's Role in Combating & Preparing for Domestic Terrorism (PDF)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (n.d.)
This document, based on emergency response to the September 11th terrorist attacks, outlines steps that law enforcement leaders can take to build and strengthen effective responses to ongoing terrorist activity.

LEPCs and Deliberate Releases: Addressing Terrorist Activities in the Local Emergency Plan (PDF)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, August 2001
This fact sheet describes how local emergency planning committees can incorporate counter-terrorism measures into their existing plans.

Letter and Package Bomb Detection Techniques (PDF)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, August 1996
This brochure offers tips for detecting suspicious packages and letters that may contain explosive material.

Making Federal Buildings Safe (PDF)
U.S. General Services Administration, 2001
This brochure offers federal employees tips and guidelines for making federal buildings safer. The brochure includes guidelines for handling suspicious mail and responding to chemical, biological, and other threats.

Managing Joint Terrorism Task Force Resources (PDF)
James Casey, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, November 2004
This article discusses effective handling of joint terrorism task force resources, from proper staffing to how to efficiently manage activities that, by their nature, do not generate many performance statistics.

Mitigation Planning "How-To" Series
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), September 2002
This series of planning guides from FEMA assists states, communities, and tribes in enhancing their hazard mitigation planning capabilities. The guides provide the types of information needed to initiate and maintain a planning process that will result in safer communities. Content is applicable to governments of various sizes and with varying financial and technical resources.

Muslims in Europe: Integration Policies (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, November 18, 2005
This report examines the integration of Muslims in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Spain. According to CRS, Muslims are the largest religious minority in Europe, and Islam is the fastest growing religion. Over the past few years, European countries have stepped up efforts to better integrate their expanding Muslim populations. Recent terrorist acts in Europe have given further impetus to these initiatives.

The National Plan for Research and Development in Support of Critical Infrastructure Protection
Executive Office of the President, 2004
This plan is the first annual version of the research and development roadmap for critical infrastructure protection, provided by a Homeland Security Presidential Directive.

Police Intelligence Operations Field Manual 3-19.50 (PDF)
United States Army, July 21, 2006
This new U.S. Army field manual introduces the concept of "police intelligence operations," an emerging hybrid of military intelligence and law enforcement. The manual presents doctrine that can be applied to support military operations abroad, as well as to protect domestic military facilities.

Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities (PDF)
U.S. Department of Education, May 2003
This guide gives schools and communities concepts and components critical to good crisis planning, stimulates thinking about the crisis-preparedness concept, and gives examples of promising practices. It stresses that crisis plans should not be copied from other sources. Instead, they should be customized to meet the unique needs of local residents, students, and situations.

Preparedness Directorate Information Bulletin, No. 197 (PDF)
Preparedness Directorate Office of Grants and Training, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 23, 2005
In response to the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act (2006), the Secretary of Homeland Security is required to review and report on the status of catastrophe planning nationwide, including mass evacuation plans in all 50 states and 75 selected urban areas. This bulletin outlines federal, state, and local government responsibilities regarding this report.

Preparing for a Terrorist Bombing: A Common Sense Approach (PDF)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, July 2005
This fact sheet provides steps that private citizens and organizations can take to better prepare for terrorist bombings, including developing a disaster plan and guidelines for assessing what injuries will require medical treatment.

Preparing for Terrorism: What Governors and Mayors Should Do
John F. Kennedy School of Government, November 2001
Written as an introduction to the topic for elected officials, this Perspectives on Preparedness bulletin addresses critical issues regarding domestic preparedness. It highlights components of a comprehensive preparedness strategy and outlines state and local government priorities for change.

Preparing Officers for Interagency and Multinational Service (PDF)
Rand Corporation, 2005
As the United States confronts increasingly complex threats, military leaders must learn to work with civilian agencies and military leaders of other nations. This monograph suggests that a strategic approach that manages experience and education would help prepare officers for this service.

Protecting Schools and Universities from Terrorism: A Guide for Administrators and Teachers
Lt. Colonel Jeffrey A. Adams (U.S. Army, ret.) and Joshua Sinai, Ph.D., ASIS International, 2003
This guide seeks to provide administrators and teachers with the security framework and necessary checklists to ensure that their facilities and students are properly protected against a terrorist attack. It also addresses conventional tactics used by terrorists such as detonating explosives and indiscriminately shooting students.

Reference Manual to Mitigate Potential Terrorist Attacks Against Buildings (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, December 2003
This manual provides guidance to reduce physical damage to buildings and decrease the vulnerability of buildings to terrorists' assaults and threats.

Responding to a Biological or Chemical Threat: A Practical Guide (PDF)
U.S. Department of State, September 2001
This brochure provides an overview of the chemical and biological terrorist threat and suggests some basic means of detection, defense, and decontamination.

Risk Management Series
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), January 2004
The publications in FEMA's Risk Management Series contain guidance on designing, constructing, and engineering high-occupancy buildings that are more resistant to damage resulting from terrorist attacks. It addresses many building types (e.g., commercial office, retail, multifamily residential, light industry, and schools), discusses insurance and building regulations, and provides measures for assessing level of risk for various threats.

Saving Lives: Including People with Disabilities in Emergency Planning (PDF)
National Council on Disability, April 2005
This report reviews suggested steps the federal government can take to build a solid infrastructure, enabling the government to include people with disabilities in emergency preparedness, disaster relief, and homeland security programs. The report further examines the disaster experiences of people with disabilities and activity limitations and how their access to disaster services could be improved.

State and Local Guide for All-Hazard Emergency Operations Planning (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, September 1996 (updated May 2001)
This publication provides emergency managers and other emergency services personnel with guidance on developing risk-based, all-hazard emergency operations plans.

Terrorism: An Investigator's Handbook, 2d Edition
William Dyson, August 2004
This handbook introduces law enforcement professionals to terrorism investigation, describing how terrorists operate and how they differ from other criminals. The document outlines how terrorism investigations should be conducted, offers suggestions that officers can use to improve investigations of terrorist groups, and helps investigators better prepare prosecutable cases against terrorists. This second edition contains a new chapter on what terrorists know about police, as well as practical advice about responding to terrorist attacks and bringing terrorists to justice.

Terrorism: Preparing for the Unexpected (PDF)
American Red Cross, October 2001
This brochure presents step-by-step instructions for preparing for and responding to a terrorist attack and describes first aid procedures.

Terrorist Financing: Better Strategic Planning Needed to Coordinate U.S. Efforts to Deliver Counter-Terrorism Financing Training and Technical Assistance Abroad (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 24, 2005
According to this GAO report, the U.S. government lacks an integrated strategy for coordinating the delivery of training in counter-terrorism financing and technical assistance to countries that are vulnerable to terrorist financing. The report describes the problem and recommends several remedies.

The Thin Green Line: An Assessment of DoD's Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative to Buffer Installation Encroachment (PDF)
RAND Corporation, June 2007
In 2003, the Department of Defense created the Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) to help implement compatible land-use partnering projects with state and local governments and nongovernmental organizations to protect nonmilitary land and relieve installation encroachment pressures. This monograph presents RAND Corporation's assessment of the effectiveness of the REPI projects, identifies the main causes of encroachment, details the benefits both to the military and to local communities of buffering areas near installations with REPI projects, and provides recommendations for how to improve REPI's effectiveness.

Threat Advisory System Response Guideline (PDF)
American Society for Industrial Security International, September 2004
This guideline is a tool to assist organizations in selecting and providing security architecture based on appropriate awareness, prevention, preparedness, and response to changes in threat conditions. The document is applicable in private sector environments in which security managers must evaluate and possibly respond to changes in the threat-level matrix of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Trade-Offs Among Alternative Government Interventions in the Market for Terrorism Insurance (PDF)
RAND Corporation, June 2007
This documented briefing presents interim findings from a RAND Center for Terrorism Risk Management Policy project that seeks to inform the debate about extending the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002, as modified in 2005. To assess three alternative government interventions in the market for terrorism insurance, the study uses analytical tools for identifying and assessing key trade-offs among strategies under conditions with considerable uncertainty.

What You Should Do to Prepare for and Respond to Chemical, Radiological, Nuclear, and Biological Terrorist Attacks (PDF)
RAND Corporation, 2004
This pocket guide gives simple steps in preparing for and responding to terrorist attacks with chemical, biological, radiological ("dirty bomb"), and nuclear weapons. Preparatory steps and specific response guidance include what individuals will experience, what their goals should be, and what they should do during each type of attack.