The 2014 Elections and Homeland Security

So, last night was interesting to say the least! After Mr. Obama's recent press conference to address "no what", my Twitter account was flooded with the same questions- but directed at Homeland Security. Yes, the elections are going to impact how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will move forward. Different leadership and different people at the table will always lead to different perspectives and objectives when it comes to Homeland Security. And, to make things more shaky, there was a security breach by a DHS contractor announced today- which means incoming officials may be looking to clean house.

Here's what happened; a contractor running background checks for the US Department of Homeland Security has suffered a potentially embarrassing security breach. The security snafu at USIS reportedly led to the theft of some DHS employees’ personal information. The extent of the breach — discovered and self-reported by USIS itself — is still being assessed. DHS encrypts the data it sends USIS but how it is stored and handled within the contractor, the largest provider of background investigations for the federal government, is unclear.

Our country has to pivot right now because of new people coming into office, and because of examples such as the above. We need to tighten policies, figure out how to sustain several programs with needed improvements to social and multi-media tools, and -most of all- we need to learn to work together. Regardless if we are traveling through an airport and annoyed with the TSA screening process or we are a newly elected official lost in the overwhelming process of taking over a political office- collaboration has to be a priority from here on out.

There isn't going to be an overnight change within any area of our political or security systems. But, together, we can work for a safer and more forward-thinking future!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security & the 2014 Superbowl!

It is an obvious statement to discern the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is going to be all over this year’s Superbowl. In fact, an increased amount of air marshals and behavioral detection officers, radiological detection teams and random baggage checks at transit hubs are among the security measures the federal Homeland Security Department will deploy in the next few days to help local police in New Jersey and New York secure the Super Bowl.

With the current threats and security concerns revolving around Sochi, it isn’t hard to connect the dots and prepare for the worst, while hoping for the best, when it comes to major events, like the Superbowl, within and outside our country. So, what is so different about this year’s Superbowl versus any other? Why the need for more security?

Unlike audiences for other championship games, spectators of Super Bowl XLVIII will rely heavily on mass transit. Resulting from this factor alone, The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) told CNN that it will deploy its Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response, or VIPR, teams. Composed air marshals, transportation security inspectors, behavioral detection officers, the teams will work at train hubs, particularly New York's Penn Station and Secaucus Junction in New Jersey, too. Yes, mass transit going to and from the Superbowl is the number one reason for the bump in security this year.

Publishing specific news feeds to help travelers understand the increase in security, the TSA has advised security measures to be prepared for (in and around NY and NJ) are:

-- The FBI plans add more analysts, weapons of mass destruction specialists and other agents to assist local authorities.

--The New York Police Department and FBI are increasing operations that target sex trafficking, which investigators say often increases for major sporting and other events.

-- Customs and Border Protection officers will scan cargo entering the stadium, looking for drugs and weapons. They also will help secure air space over the game.

-- The U.S. Coast Guard will help local authorities secure canals and rivers that pass next to the stadium complex.

-- Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers will target counterfeit vendors selling fake Super Bowl memorabilia

I know the last point seems mute, but there is a serious concern over counterfeit vendors and license infringement for a variety of reasons.

I’m not a huge football fan, but like everyone- I will be watching the game. I have great faith in the TSA’s efforts, along with the FBI and CIA, to keep the public safe. I hope this quick synopsis as to what increased efforts are being made to keep our citizens safe during the Superbowl has been informative.

If you want to learn more about Homeland Security, my book on the subject is available as an immediate download directly from my business website. Here’s the link: http://www.hireime.com

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett