Due process requires that a person held in United States custody as an enemy combatant be given a meaningful opportunity to contest the factual basis for that detention before a neutral decision maker.

The specifics around procedures for detaining an enemy combatant in the U.S. we recently made clear by the president's top counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan in an interview discussing the attempted attack on the Northwest airline in December, 2009. Brennan confirmed that the FBI protocol for handling terror suspects is to (1) detain suspect, (2) bring in high-level interrogators to question the suspect for intelligence purposes and (3) read suspect Miranda rights.

Critics of this protocol are pushing to militarize the process for all terrorism suspects and deny them the basic due process rights provided by the law. The arguments is that offering terror suspects Miranda rights after an initial intelligence interrogation by the FBI dooms the chances of obtaining useful intelligence.

This idea was formalized as "enemy combatant" logic by the Bush administration whereby those accused of terrorist activities or connections lose all rights to due process and the ability to challenge the accusation. The courts definitively rejected this proposal and during the eight years of the Bush administration every terrorism suspect arrested in the United States was initially interrogated by the FBI and every one that was tried had their trial in a civilian federal court.

While results ultimately will vary based on the circumstances, the current protocol in place has proven to be successful under the watch of John O. Brennan, Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Adviser for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.

Would you like to aid in the protection of our country? There is an increased demand for trained safety and security employees throughout the nation. Earning your Homeland Security Degree or training to be an FBI Agent will provide you with a solid foundation in planning, implementing, and managing security operations for security organizations across the U.S.

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Labels: enemy combatant, FBI, FBI protocol, homeland.security, homeland.security.degree, homeland.security.experts, terrorism

Technology is all around us. It's responsible for that IPOD or IPHONE you take for granted, it's the reason we all have laptop computers. If technology didn't evolve, we would never have new and exciting gadgets to play with every year. You get to the point where you wonder what amazing innovation they are going to come up with next? What fantastic invention will they market to the public that you just have to have to make your life easier? Yes, technology does simplify life, almost to the point where we really struggle without our Blackberry's or computers. But with the good always comes the bad. You aren't being paranoid if you think that big brother is watching over you, and you might not even believe the extent that new technology can go to both protect and monitor you.

After 9-11, President Bush declared a global war on terror. Suddenly one of the most talked about news items was "Homeland Security" and thousands of jobs were created for those with security training or a homeland security degree. For many, this was the first glimpse into how never-ending changes to technology are benefiting people who may not have the best interests of the general public at heart. Homeland Security has several purposes, the most important in that they attempt to console the people of the USA into feeling some sort of comfort again after such a vicious attack on their country. We saw immediate changes in how we travel, socialize, and even shop. The other not so hidden purpose of Homeland Security is that it gives the Government free reign to step on civil liberties in such a way that under any other circumstances would have resulted in a massive public outcry.

The war on terror gave President Bush and his team an open invitation to monitor for, seek out, and condemn those who were deemed terrorists in his own country. Eight years after 9-11 and one newly elected President later, the USA is still under constant surveillance by the Government. Assuming that their role is to protect us from terrorists, many consider that the powers that be have every right to go to extremes in order to protect our country's independence. Others, knowing the technology that has been utilized in our countries to seek out terrorists, aren't so sure they want that type of monitoring in the USA. Yes, they are protecting our independence from the terrorists, but who is protecting our personal independence from the government?

In Iraq and Afghanistan, retinal eye scans are the military's choice to keep an eye on local terrorists. The massive database of suspected individuals and inventory of eye scans has resulted in suspects being dealt with quickly and efficiently. With this technology, they can identify a suspected terrorist and shoot them immediately. There is no need for conversation, detainment, or to put the solider in harms way. If that sounds scary to you, that's because it is. Can you imagine this type of technology in the USA? Although you may feel secure knowing that you are protected from the crazy people who hijack airplanes and plot to kill innocent citizens, this type of monitoring would mean that the Government knows everything about you, including where you went shopping that day and what you had for lunch.

Yes, the USA needs protection after 9-11. It's clear that there are terrorists who are gunning specifically for the country and that they continue to make efforts to gain entrance. The protection that has resulted due to progress of technology is mind-boggling. However, if the new innovations that are being used in the war on terror make their way to the USA, you can guarantee that the war on terror will never truly be over either. What started as a means of protection has evolved into an enterprise, where fear fuels the industry. It remains to be seen whether the fight against terrorism will give the government a legitimate reason to expand on domestic surveillance to the point where we all feel we are under a microscope.

Read More about this topic:
National Cyber "Czar", New Cybersecurity Platform
Homeland Security is Top Priority
Combat Terror with a Homeland Security Career

Labels: 9-11, domestic surveillance, homeland.security, homeland.security.degree, homeland.security.experts, terrorism

Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Senator Joe Lieberman will offer a legislation to systematize a White House cybersecurity adviser. He told the Chamber of Commerce during a Cyberspace Conference meeting in Washington that the post will require Senate confirmation.

Although President Obama said last May that he planned to appoint a cybersecurity coordinator without requiring Senate confirmation, the position continues to be unoccupied. On the contrary, lawmakers say that cybersecurity coordinator would report to both the National Security Council and the National Economic Council; thus, he must be subjected to Senate confirmation.

Lieberman said that the cybersecurity coordinator would manage cybersecurity activities over all federal agencies, provide tactical leadership and guidance to the president and control power and assets to make modifications as needed. The cybersecurity adviser is needed "to ensure that the classified work conducted by Department of Defense and intelligence agencies is informing the defensive actions taken by our domestic agencies."

Lieberman also stated that Congress must provide the Department of Homeland Security the necessary power and human resources to supervise the federal civilian networks to protect against malicious traffic. Although DHS already has the same authority through a presidential order, he recommended that the department could expand its personnel via legislation and gain support from other federal agencies to succeed. (To learn more about entering the Department of Homeland Security, read this information about earning your homeland security degree.)

Furthermore, Lieberman stated that DHS must identify the weaknesses in the IT systems of businesses, especially the financial, power, and transportation infrastructures, and protect them from cyber attacks. He added that DHS should also identify the most critical cyber infrastructure and ask its operators to perform risk assessments to identify existing vulnerabilities. DHS will then work with these companies to decide the best way to mitigate the vulnerabilities but will not mandate a one-size-fits all strategy to bolster security.

Lieberman also discussed his plans for DHS to establish a voluntary cybersecurity standards program to encourage businesses to comply with specific standards through a certification program and award them a seal of approval that will be placed on the company's website, similar to the standards of Good Housekeeping or Energy Seals.

Lieberman also expressed his plans to tighten federal acquisition policies to guarantee IT wares are preconfigured with security controls and grant agencies employment and salary flexibilities to attract competent IT security experts.

While Leiberman laid out his proposal to the executives of the Chamber of Commerce, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano disclosed the new 61-station National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center in northern Virginia. This center will merge the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team and the National Coordinating Center for Telecommunications. Napolitano also displayed vivid charts and maps of possible cyber threats and suspicious internet traffic. He also revealed that the watch center will allow high-tech teams to monitor government networks to work better together.

Read more about this topic:
Fighting Cyber Crime, one computer at a time - Cyber security focuses on issues such as identity theft, computer hacking and viruses, and other horrific crimes such as the use of child pornography and cyber stalking. 20 years ago there was no need for specialists in this area, because our technology simply wasn’t what it is today.

Labels: homeland.security, homeland.security.degree, homeland.security.experts, homeland.security.grants, Leiberman, Obama, us.department.of.homeland.security

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Its mission is to secure the nation from the many threats we face. DHS is primarily responsible for protecting the nation from terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters. It makes sure that all US borders, seaports, and airways are secure. They also analyze, research, and develop innovative security technology that would help in performing their jobs during natural disasters or terrorist attacks. They also analyze intelligence reports to prevent, deter, and detect any threats to the homeland.

A career in homeland security gives an opportunity to protect and serve the country and its citizens.

Homeland security is a new career, but there is a vast employment option available. Several different agencies employ homeland security officers including the US Capitol Police, the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, the US Secret Service, the Federal Protective Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Transportation Security Administration and Park Services. Each department offers the opportunity to work in intelligence operations, either as an undercover agent or an active duty officer. New career opportunities for security officers are created each time.

Ideally, a homeland security officer should have excellent communication skills and computer savvy to be able to deal with the latest technology. A homeland security officer should also be a reliable individual with good judgment and has the ability to stay calm during chaotic situations.

A homeland security officer is required to have a four-year college degree in criminal science, forensics, computer science, accounting, etc. He may also need to have a specialized homeland security degree, depending on the field.

As part of the application process, each agency of DHS has a different series of tests that an applicant must complete. The first part of the application process for a homeland security officer is the physical fitness portion. Thus, an applicant must be in top physical condition to effectively carry out the rigorous duties of the job. The applicant must also go through a rigorous training camp or academy, which can go from six weeks to ten months, depending on the requirements of the agency you are working for. After passing the training, the applicant must pass another final test to be permanently hired.

When hired, the new homeland security officer will be assigned in an area where he is needed most. Although he cannot choose his first assignment, his family can join him from this point onwards. Working schedule also varies. He may be asked to work on a long shift and rotating schedule during odd hours. Homeland Security Officers receive good benefits and job security.

Labels: homeland.security, homeland.security.degree, homeland.security.experts, us.department.of.homeland.security

Purdue University is leading a $1.65 million effort to begin research and development at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center in Indiana as part of a homeland security training initiative. The Purdue Homeland Security Institute is working with the state of Indiana in developing the training program that will include integrating real world training simulations and serve as a testing ground for new technologies. It will also act as an advanced learning facility for homeland security degree students studying various disciplines in Computational Homeland Security; Sensing Science and Technology; Security of Large Scale Systems; and Law Enforcement Technology, Tactics and Training.

"This program, through initial funding by the U.S. Army, will focus on preparing our nation to better respond to a major natural disaster or the threats posed in an urban warfare environment," Purdue President Martin C. Jischke said. Under terms of the U.S. Army contract, Purdue will develop a program for military and first responders, providing the nexus for decision making, the use of computational models, advanced technology, risk communications, situational awareness and command.

Alok Chaturvedi, director of the Purdue Homeland Security Institute, said the Muscatatuck site permits trainers to replicate a small town, complete with 70 furnished buildings comprising five square city blocks. Among the buildings are a hospital, apartments, housing, a school, administration buildings, a power plant and a water treatment facility.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act in June 2005 that included $2.5 million for the center at Muscatatuck. That measure was led by former U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel, R-Ind., who said this center is a significant first step in what will be a prolonged effort to build a permanent military institution at this Indiana site.

Labels: homeland.security.degree, purdue.homeland.security.institute

Yes, the title says it all - homeland security is becoming a major industry and a big business. How big? About $45 billion large. States are vying for grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and taking steps to secure their share. New York, Illinois, Arizona, and Michigan are all trying to court the Government in siphoning funds into their pockets.

In Lansing, Michigan businesses and government leaders want to make Michigan as well-known for homeland security as it is for the auto industry have recently formed a consortium to tap into the fast-growing sector. "I'd say Michigan has an above-average chance to become a leader in homeland security," said Mark Mills, chairman of Washington-based ICx Technologies Inc., a government contractor focused on homeland security.

About 40 homeland security businesses, universities and economic development groups have formed the Michigan Homeland Security Consortium, The Detroit News reported Monday. The companies hope they can raise awareness of the industry, garner more contracts and help attract more jobs to the state, said Keith Brophy, chairman of the group and president of Troy-based NuSoft Solutions Inc. "We are just now putting our arms around this field and recognizing it as a vibrant and growing portion of (the) state's economy," he said.

The Michigan Economic Development Corp. recognizes the field as one of the state's potential strengths. From businesses to academia - everyone is getting into this very lucrative market. In fact students now graduating with a Homeland Security Degree are finding the job market wide open as their prospects for employment continue to grow. Its 21st Century Jobs Fund delivered $12.35 million to homeland security projects this year alone.

Labels: auto.industry, homeland.security, homeland.security.degree, lansing.michigan, michigan, online.degree, us.department.of.homeland.security