Introduction to homeland security

Six authors, headed by Jane A. Bullock, have produced a worthy tome. Written particularly with a text book audience in mind, the book also could benefit managers wanting a solid overview to the topic. Particularly strong are chapters on hazards in which concise information on different types of biological and chemical attacks is presented. The organization and brief history of DHS is neatly covered. Security Letter Introduction to Homeland Security by George Haddow and Jane Bullock, offers a comprehensive account of past and current homeland security reorganization and practices, policies and programs in relation to the government restructure. The structure of each chapter is consistent throughout this text, from Butterworth-Heinemann, and designed to accommodate useful pedagogical elements such as learning objective for each chapter, definitions of the terms used in homeland security, a comprehensive contact list of federal and state government homeland security offices and officials, and more. Law Enforcement Technology The authors are knowledgeable in their fields, and they explore topics from an independent point of view. The public debate on the Patriot Act and civil liberties properly covers the various views. Security Management Introduction to Homeland Security has case histories of domestic terrorism events and the governments post-event actions. The book provides educators, students, and practitioners with an account of homeland-security practices, policies, and programs. Evidence Technology The newest release from Elsevier publishers, Introduction to Homeland Security by Bullock and Haddow, in the Butterworth-Heinemann series on homeland security is a welcome addition to many bookshelves. The book accomplishes, in a reasonably complete way, a documentation of the structure and relationship of the various agencies and programs that are considered part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The descriptive narrative of statutory authority, related legislation, and executive orders and of the role of various agencies and organizations is the books strength. The authors have included a series of appendices (eleven) that zinclude items such as a list of acronyms (Appendix 1), a copy of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Appendix 3), a contact list for state emergency management offices (Appendix 4), a compilation of web sites for additional information (Appendix 8), and similar information that is valuable to have compiled in one location. The book would also be of interest to anyone who wishes to gain a better understanding of the way in which DHS has taken shape. The book has a valuable role to play in courses that address the topic of homeland security as it does offer a compilation of information that is scattered in reports, legislation, and websites. It is an excellent overview and introduction that would be valued at the practitioner and undergraduate level. This book is something most academics and practitioners would find useful. The descriptive nature of the text will serve as historical documentation of the initial framework of homeland security as it began to evolve following 9/11, and for that reason, if for no other, I find the book a good reference source. - David M. Simpson, Ph.D., AICP, Director, Center for Hazards Research and Policy Development, University of Louisville in the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management The appendices alone constitute a vast store of really useful information. The book is absolutely littered with reference sections, notations directing the reader to relevant publications and websites and contributions from media reports or experts The discussion of the terrorist attacks and honest commentary upon the Federal government preparedness is impressive for both its objectivity and the breadth of information it providesOf particular note is the chapter on hazards. The notes regarding preventative actions are also of real interest Again the chapter on communications was found to be a real goldmine of information and the case study on the impact of the media of the Washington sniper makes superb reading. The descriptions of the impact of fear on the communities affected by the sniper is worthy of real consideration by any security manager who may face having to respond to press enquiries during an incident. For any security manager wishing to know more about critical incidents and who has a need for a single source to start their learning then I cannot recommend this book more highly. An absolute gem of a book. Professional Security, UK , March 2005 Read more...