What Type of State Homeland Security Strategy Should the State of New Jersey Develop

摘要

The State of New Jersey does not have a written homeland security strategy. This thesis argues that New Jersey should have such a strategy, particularly since it risks losing federal homeland security funding if it does not. The author reviews the reasons why New Jersey does not have a state strategy, and contends that any justifications for the lack of a strategy are no longer supportable. The author then investigates the elements that should be in New Jersey's homeland security strategy by reviewing existing state and national strategies and comparing them against national criteria. Based on his review, the author recommends that New Jersey create a homeland security strategy similar to the National Capital Region Homeland Security Strategic Plan. Further, New Jersey should construct its strategy using the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) six desirable characteristics of a national homeland security strategy as a guide. These six characteristics are as follows: (1) Purpose, scope, and methodology; (2) Problem definition and risk assessment; (3) Goals, subordinate objectives, activities, and performance measures; (4) Resources, investments, and risk management; (5) Organizational roles, responsibilities, and coordination; and (6) Integration and implementation. The result is a homeland security strategy template that can be used by other states.