Salt Lake City is the model for the new economy with massive new facilities owned by eBay, Oracle and Twitter. This high tech Mecca has been one of the country’s most dynamic metropolitan economies during and following the recession. According to Inc. Magazine, the greater metropolitan Salt Lake City area is home to the most high growth companies in the U.S.
This flourishing economy also presents an attractive target to terrorists who may wish to damage key digital infrastructure. Although Salt Lake City has less than 200,000 residents, it has a robust economy that would be severely damaged by any sort of terrorist incident. The Utah Department of Homeland Security protects the residents and companies of Salt Lake City by conducting operations in three areas: Investigations, Intelligence and Infrastructure Protection.
Divisions of Utah Department of Homeland Security
Investigations are primarily conducted by law enforcement agencies around the state and information relevant to Salt Lake City are disseminated to the proper city authorities. Police and public officials are immediately notified should it become apparent that a terrorist incident could occur. Intelligence is a joint operation with federal agencies and helps provide strategic information for policy makers. If intelligence provides actionable insights, Salt Lake City officials work in concert with state and federal organizations to head off attacks. Infrastructure including power grids, telecommunications, transportation and financial systems are continuously monitored and protected.
Training and Degree Requirements for Homeland Security Careers in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah is home to many homeland security professionals with backgrounds in information technology, emergency management, public policy, and business administration. The majority of these homeland security jobs have requirements that include:
- U.S. citizen
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
- Two or more years of professional experience in homeland security or emergency management
- A baccalaureate or advanced degree inHomeland security studies
- Terrorism studies
- Information security
- Public administration
- Business management
- Knowledge of federal homeland security programs like National Incident Management System (NIMS) or National Response Framework (NRF)
- Ability to work effectively with homeland security officials in intelligence, military, government or law enforcement
- Experience designing and conducting training exercises for homeland security personnel
Homeland security professionals may obtain training through the Utah Department of Emergency Management including instruction on
- The Bulletproof Mind and Safe Schools and Healthy Students
- Sports and Special Events Incident Management
- Airport Emergency Management and Irregular Operations
- Emergency Operations Center Management and Operaaations
- Intermediate ICS for Expanding Incidents
- Enhanced Threat and Risk Assessment
Among the most noteworthy private homeland security organizations that offer professional certification are:
- American Board for Certification in Homeland Security
- Sensitive Security Information, Certified
- Certified in Homeland Security
- Certified National Threat Analyst
- National Domestic Preparedness Coalition
- Certified Homeland Protection Professional
- Certified Homeland Protection Associate