The National Terrorism Advisory System Essay Example

The National Terrorism Advisory System Essay Running head: National Terrorism Advisory System The National Terrorism Advisory System Abstract As part of a series of initiatives to improve coordination and communication among all levels of government and the American public, the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) was created. This advisory system was the foundation for building a comprehensive and effective communications structure to give information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks. This system was revised at a later date and became the Nation Terrorism Advisory System. Homeland Security Advisory System In March of 2002, President George W. Bush signed Presidential Directive3 which created the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS). This advisory system was the foundation for building a comprehensive and effective communications structure to give information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks to those at all levels of government as well as the American public. It was color coordinated with five levels: Blue (low), Green (Guarded), yellow (Elevated), orange (high), and red (Severe). These were meant to identify the risk of a terrorist attack. The different levels triggered pecific actions by federal agencies and state and local governments, and they affected the level of security at some airports and other public facilities. Actions included increasing police and other security presence at landmarks and other high- profile targets, a closer monitoring of international borders and other points of entry, and ensuring that emergency response personnel were ready to respond if needed. We will write a custom essay sample on The National Terrorism Advisory System specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The National Terrorism Advisory System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The National Terrorism Advisory System specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The published terror alert notices urged American citizens, to be vigilant, take notice of their surroundings, and report suspicious items or activities to local authorities immediately. The problem with this color coded system was that the level never went higher than orange and there was no end date or time as to when that threat level would no longer be active. Another problem was that each and every time the threat level was raised, very rarely did the public know the reason, how to proceed, or for how long to be on alert. As a result this left the public feeling more scared than prepared (Staff, 2011). Most of the American public found this system to be very conTuslng. cnanges tnat were mace On April 20, 2011 , Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that here would be an updated version of the advisory system that would be implemented by the Department of Homeland Security. This update would be called the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS). The NTAS is a robust terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats and replaces the former color-coded alert system (Chronology of Changes to the Homeland Security Advisory System). The main differences were, they removed the color code system and instead replaced it with two terms; Elevated Threat Alert, and Imminent Threat Alert. An Elevated Threat warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States whereas an Imminent Threat warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States (NTAS Guide April 20 2011, 2011) . Under NTAS, DHS will coordinate with other federal agencies to issue detailed alerts to the public when the federal government receives information about a credible terrorist threat. Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private ector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels. Theses alerts were to include a clear statement using the most up to date information. It may also include specific information, if available, about the nature of the threat, including the geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, thus providing a concise summary of the potential threat and about actions being implemented to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that communities, business and governments can take to espond to the threat (NTAS Guide April 20, 2011). Another change that was implemmented was the Sunset Provision. This meant that an inidviual threat alert would only be issued for a specific time period and then expire. No longer would there be a constant alert or blanket warning that there is a possible threat. Unless new information was learned or the threat evolved, the threat alert would expire on the spcified date. If however there was a change in information and the alert had to be extended, the Secretary of Homeland Security would announce an updated NTAS alert. All other changes, including the cancelation of an alert, would be dispersed the same was as the original alert. The Secretary of Homeland Security will announce the threat alerts publically. Alerts will simultaneously be posted at DHS. gov/alerts and released to the news media for distribution. The Department of Homeland Security will also distribute alerts across its social media channels, including the Departments blog, Twitter stream, Facebook page, and RSS feed ( NTAS Guide April 20 2011, 2011). The NTAS realizes that all Americans help with the responsibility of the nations security. As such, citizens should be aware of the risk of a terrorist attack and thus should report any and all suspicious activity their local law enforcement. In order to properly understand what suspicious activity is, the campaign of If you see something, say something was formed. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. For that reason, the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e. g. , an unattended backpack In a puDllc place or someone trylng to DreaK Into a restrlctea area) ratner tnan eliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity. References NTAS Guide April 20 2011. (2011, April). National Terrorism Advisory System Public Guide. Chronology of Changes to the Homeland Security Advisory System. (n. d. ). Retrieved from Official website of the Department of Homeland Security: https://www. dhs. gov/ homeland-security-advisory-system Staff, C. W. (2011, January 26). CNN Politics. Retrieved from CNN: http://www. cnn. com/ 2011 POLITICS/OI /26/threat. level. system. change/