NCJ Number
236076
Date Published
2011
Length
69 pages
Annotation
This report describes how the Department of Homeland security has addressed specific 9/11 Commission recommendations over the past 10 years.
Abstract
Following 9/11, the Federal Government developed a security framework designed to protect the Nation from large-scale attacks directed from abroad. This included improving Federal, State, and local capabilities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from threats and disasters at home. A key element of this framework was the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in March 2003. DHS combines 22 separate agencies and offices into a single, Cabinet-level department. Many of the features of this new alignment were in response to recommendations contained in the 9/11 Commission Report released in July 2004. Among the commission's key recommendations that have been addressed are the expansion of information-sharing among all agencies involved in public safety endeavors throughout the Nation; the development and implementation of risk-based transportation security strategies; the strengthening of airline passenger prescreening and targeting of terrorist travel; improvement in screening for explosives; protecting cyber networks and critical physical infrastructure; bolstering the security of U.S. border and identification documents; and ensuring that security measures do not conflict with privacy and civil rights safeguards. Challenges that remain in implementing key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report include the proposed PASS ID legislation that would improve the security of driver's licenses; many States are still unable to fulfill the congressionally mandated REAL ID requirements. New measures are also needed to increase the use of risk-based security screening, develop strategies for guarding against an increasing volume of cyber attack, the addressing of interoperability challenges for first responders, the determination of a cost-effective means of implementing a biometric exit solution, and guarding against the potential encroachment of drug cartel violence in Northern Mexico.