The state of Indiana experiences occasional domestic terrorist threats, which have become the focus of homeland security efforts in the Ft. Wayne metropolitan area. Indiana has one of the highest concentrations of radical militias in the country, which tend to be anti-government. Since the presidential election of 2008, there have been a few terrorist plots involving militias that were uncovered by homeland security professionals in the state.
Degrees, Training and Certification for Homeland Security Jobs
The following are the basic requirements for a homeland security job in Ft. Wayne:
- A bachelor’s degree in a field closely related to the duties and responsibilities of homeland security
- At least two years experience in homeland security and emergency planning
- Experience in emergency response operations
- Organization and business administration skills
- Strong communication skills
- Knowledge of military operations are preferred, but not required
Degrees: As a bachelor’s degree is required, the following is a list of some of the most common types of homeland security degrees offered in the Ft. Wayne area:
- Bachelor Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Bachelor Degree in Homeland Security Technology
- Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice Administration
- Master Degree in Criminal Justice- Terrorism, Mediation and Peace
- Bachelor Degree in Homeland Security
- Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice
- Masters of Science in Criminal Justice- Leadership and Executive Management
Certification: In addition to a degree, most homeland security jobs also require training and certification in specialized fields. Most certifications in Ft. Wayne are offered through the homeland security organizations in the area, as well as some certified schools. Certifications include the following:
- Fire certification
- Homeland Security Specialist certification
- Hazardous Materials Handling certification
- International and Domestic Terrorism
- National Security Policy
- Certified National Threat Analyst
Homeland Security Positions in Ft. Wayne, Indiana
The primary homeland security entity in Ft. Wayne is the Allen County Homeland Security Department. There was a joint Ft. Wayne-Allen County department, but it was dissolved in 2011 due to budgetary reasons, so all homeland security operations are now operated on the county level. There is a United States Department of Homeland Security field office located in Ft. Wayne that works in partnership with the Allen County department.
Homeland Security Jobs: Ft. Wayne homeland security jobs include the following:
- Undercover operations team members
- Intelligence analysts and collectors
- Security agents
- Surveillance team members
- Computer forensic specialists
- Investigation agents and detectives