Overview
The FCC's Public Safety & Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) is responsible for developing, recommending, and administering the agency's policies pertaining to public safety communications issues. These policies include 9-1-1 and E9-1-1; operability and interoperability of public safety communications; communications infrastructure protection and disaster response; and network security and reliability. PSHSB also serves as a clearinghouse for public safety communications information and emergency response issues.
A primary goal of PSHSB is to support and advance initiatives that further strengthen and enhance the security and reliability of the nation's communications infrastructure and public safety and emergency response capabilities that will better enable the FCC to assist the public, first responders, law enforcement, hospitals, the communications industry and all levels of government in the event of a natural disaster, pandemic or terrorist attack.
Organization
PSHSB is organized with the Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC) and three divisions: the Cybersecurity and Communications Reliability Division, the Operations and Emergency Management Division, and the Policy and Licensing Division. In addition, PSHSB has a Front Office consisting of senior leadership and management staff.
The Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) advises, makes recommendations to the Commission, or acts for the Commission under delegated authority, in all matters pertaining to public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management and preparedness, disaster management, and ancillary operations. The Bureau's front office provides general leadership and direction to the Bureau as it carries out its functions pursuant to delegated authority. The Bureau has responsibility for coordinating public safety, homeland security, national security, emergency management and preparedness, disaster management, and related activities within the Commission, including:
- Public safety communications (including 911 centers and first responders);
- Priority emergency communications;
- Public safety and disaster outreach functions (e.g. , coordinating with PSAPs, first responders, governmental agencies, and others);
- Alert and warning of U.S. citizens;
- Continuity of government operations (COG) and Continuity of Operations (COOP) planning;
- Disaster management coordination (i.e., infrastructure reporting and analysis in times of disaster);
- Disaster management outreach;
- Communications infrastructure protection;
- Network reliability and interoperability;
- Network security;
Specific responsibilities of PSHSB are contained in section 0.191 of the Commission's rules and its delegations of authority are contained in section 0.392 of the Commission's rules.
The Bureau Chief, or that person's designee, acts as Alternate FCC Homeland Security and Defense Coordinator and principal to the National Communications System
Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC)
The Emergency Response Interoperability Center (ERIC) is responsible for developing and implementing a national interoperability framework for the 700 MHz nationwide interoperable broadband public safety wireless network. More... >>
Cybersecurity and Communications Reliability Division (CCR)
CCR works with the communications industry to develop and implement improvements that help ensure the reliability, redundancy and security of the nation's communications infrastructure. More... >>
Policy and Licensing Division
The Policy and Licensing Division serves the public interest by developing policies that advance public safety communications for first responders, health care, 9-1-1 services and persons with disabilities. More... >>
Operations and Emergency Management Division (OEM)
OEM manages and leads the FCC's All Hazards emergency preparedness and response activities. More... >>
Further Information
For more information about the PSHSB, you can read its monthly Bulletin, or browse a short list of its current issues and initiatives.
