Using Strategic Communications to Address Critical Threats to Border Security

Abstract

Border security improvements have certainly been made since the tragic events of 9/11, but there are still critical areas that threaten United States' borders and continue to leave the country open to future terrorist attacks. Some of the critical areas include: lack of information and intelligence sharing, sheer size of the borders and number of entry points, number of people looking to cross into the United States, weak inspection systems at customs and ports of entry, and a lack of synchronization between the federal government and local communities most directly affected by border security issues. Considering all the threats and security challenges that currently face the United States and its borders, an effective communications strategy must be implemented to earn the public's support and understanding of the initiatives needed to solve the border security problems. The purpose of this paper is to discuss those critical areas that threaten U.S. borders and make recommendations on what can be done to improve them. Additionally, the paper will help show how an effective communications strategy can influence public opinion and put pressure on government agencies to make the changes necessary to improve the country's overall border security situation. Ultimately, it will take a joint effort between federal, state, and local officials and all U.S. citizens to tighten the borders and protect the country from future terrorist and criminal activities.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA538891

Entities

People

  • Sean K. Burke

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems
  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Border Security
  • California
  • Communication Systems
  • Criminals
  • Electronic Mail
  • Geographic Regions
  • Governments
  • Homeland Security
  • National Governments
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Security
  • Strategic Communications
  • Teamwork
  • Undocumented Noncitizens
  • United States
  • United States Government

Readers

  • Cybersecurity.
  • Economics
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security.