Homeland security jobs in Illinois are essential to maintaining the state’s security and economic prominence. The sector encompasses everything from IT technicians and programmers to undercover surveillance agents and special ops forces. Careers in the Illinois homeland security field come in a wide variety and are available to top-qualifying candidates who make it through an extensive application process and state-of-the-art training programs specific to each career field.
Recent Homeland Security Busts in Illinois
Homeland security officials working with agents at the federal, state, and local level recently conducted a joint terrorism task force operation, arresting a man just before he boarded a flight at the Chicago O’Hare airport for a journey that would take him where he could fight and perhaps give up his life for an international terrorist organization that has previously attacked the embassies of the United States and Israel. FBI agents intercepted a phone call made by the suspect before his scheduled departure where he told his daughter he would never see her again. Homeland security officials also discovered emails with the terrorist organization written in code.
Although starting an anti-government revolution in America by bombing FBI offices and the Chicago Sear’s Tower may sound unfeasible, that was exactly the plan for which five men were recently convicted. Homeland security officials discovered the plot early in its making, and an FBI official was able to penetrate the group posing as Brother Mohammed from Al Qaeda. An important piece of evidence obtained during an undercover operation was video footage of the would-be bombers pledging allegiance to Osama bin Laden. Thanks to recently revised homeland security training in Chicago, governmental agencies at all levels have more experience working together, which makes joint operations easier to conduct.
Having the Right Education for Homeland Security Jobs in Illinois
Having the right academic background is an important part to starting a job in the homeland security sector. Often times minimum qualifications are in the form of homeland security degrees, which are offered from a number of public and private institutions committed to providing the best training and education Illinois to offer. After planning for admission to an institution of higher education, candidates should also familiarize themselves with the hiring process for homeland security positions in the state.
Getting the right homeland security degree in Illinois depends on each particular person and his or her strengths and interests. Luckily, because of the variety of positions in the homeland security sector, any number of degrees will suffice to tailor to an applicant’s specific skills and abilities. Some programs include:
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Homeland Security
- Business Administration
- Human Services
- Legal Studies