Local-level homeland security and emergency management: A comparative case study of local governments in Southern California.

摘要

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to explore the impact of changes made on local-level emergency management operations following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Specifically, the study focused on the influence of the federal government on local government, the influence of state and county government on local government, the impact on collaborative efforts, and how federal funding influences local government.;Methodology. A comparative case study approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with local emergency managers, executive managers, and community representatives in three large cities in Southern California: Pasadena (Los Angeles County), Ontario (San Bernardino County), and Anaheim (Orange County). Plans, reports, and organizational structures were also reviewed.;Major Findings. Emergency management efforts at the local level have increased significantly. Generally, the case study areas were found to be adaptive to change, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005 reinforced changes already being implemented in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. In each case study, collaboration was viewed as critical and was found to be active among emergency management frameworks. Longstanding barriers have been broken as a result of enhanced efforts, leading local, county, state, and federal government agencies and neighboring cities to create networks. Lastly, each case study benefits from federal homeland security grants that overall have enhanced local-level emergency management and homeland security, but there are variations in funding levels and operational area structure that create challenges.;Conclusions. Similar emergency management and homeland security frameworks exist at the federal and state level, but varying frameworks are evident at the operational and local level. This study recommends adoption of a similar framework at the operational and local level. Other recommendations include employing local-level emergency managers, increasing partnerships with the federal government, enhancing partnerships with local health institutions and businesses, rotating leadership roles during table-top exercises to those other than police and fire, and enhancing group-specific programs to target such groups as local higher education institutions, teen groups, and religious organizations.;Theoretical Framework. The theoretical foundations were based on the research foundations of the following theories: policy implementation, bureaucracy, collaboration, intergovernmental relations, organizational change, and complexity.