Decade of Experience: Which Network Structures Maximize Fire Service Capacity for Homeland Security Incidents in Metropolitan Regions

摘要

The Philadelphia metropolitan region is the fifth most populated metropolitan region in the United States. One method of providing homeland security services involves the use of regional response networks to achieve the capacity required to respond to terrorist incidents. The Philadelphia metropolitan region presents a challenge of coordination because there are two FEMA regions, two state borders, two state offices of emergency management, eight county emergency management offices, and 317 local government emergency management coordinators involved. This thesis examines three regional networks to identify the features of successful regional arrangements. The research includes the assessment of leadership, structure, and regional performance to identify features that can serve as recommendations for the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region. The research reviews the impact of federalism on regional networks and identifies one system--the Metropolitan Planning Organization-- that serves shared federal, state, and local functions within regions. Recommendations center on creating a regional integrative network that utilizes existing fire service capacity to deliver functional homeland security.