Homeland Security Advisory System: Possible Issues for Congressional Oversight
Abstract
The Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS), established on March 12, 2002, is a color coded terrorist threat warning system administered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The system, which federal departments and agencies are required to implement and use, provides recommended protective measures for federal departments and agencies to prevent, prepare for, mitigate against, and respond to terrorist attacks. DHS disseminates HSAS terrorist threat warnings to federal departments, state and local agencies, the public, and private sector entities. This dissemination of warnings is conducted through multiple communication systems and public announcements. While the need for terrorist threat warnings seems to be widely acknowledged, there are numerous issues associated with HSAS and its effects on states, localities, the public, and the private sector. These issues include the following: * vagueness of warnings; * lack of specific protective measures for state and local governments, the public, and the private sector; * dissemination of warnings to states, localities, the public, and the private sector; * coordination of HSAS with other federal warning systems; and, * cost of threat level changes. This report will be updated as congressional or executive actions warrant.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 06, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA480096
Entities
People
- Shawn Reese
Organizations
- Library of Congress