Homeland Security 2002: Evolving the Homeland Defense Infrastructure. Executive Summary Report, September 2002 (Conference Proceedings - June 25-26, 2002) Volume 1, Number 2

摘要

The second E-Gov Homeland Security 2002 Conference was held June 25-26 in conjunction with the E-Gov 2002 Exposition in Washington, DC. The conference was focused on Evolving the Homeland Defense Infrastructure, and addressed the current policy and technology-related issues for ensuring our national homeland security. Sessions were organized into two tracks: 1) Creating an Infrastructure for Homeland Security and 2) Building Integrated Homeland Security Operations. Conference participants recognized the overriding importance of cultural change in developing effective homeland security programs. Political and organizational challenges present greater barriers to sharing information than do technological limitations. Speakers cited examples of improved cooperation, but acknowledged that many turf battles are still being fought, and that deeply entrenched organizational structures and processes have proven resistant to change. Many speakers pointed to the need for building solid relationships in advance, so they are in place when an emergency arises. Open communication and trust among diverse professionals cannot be developed in the throes of a crisis; rather, they require time and exchange of ideas to develop. These kinds of organizational relationships also pave the way for better implementation of technology for homeland security initiatives. The federal government has 55 databases that deal with security threats, but interagency access depends on establishing agreements through which that information can be shared. True cooperation also will require government-wide commitment to enterprise architecture, integrated information systems, and interoperable communication systems.