Since Oklahoma was the site of the worst case of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, the state has made homeland security a high priority. Tulsa is both considered a high-risk target for terrorism and is also prone to frequent severe storms and tornados.
The city has been proactive in implementing measures to identify potential threats and mitigate them. As part of the Department of Homeland Security’s UASI (Urban Areas Security Initiative), the city received over $3 million in grant money to help prevent disasters, protect against them, and respond effectively.
Homeland Security Degrees and Training in Tulsa
Degrees – Tulsa residents who wish to earn homeland security degrees can do so through online schools with specialties in the area or through campus-based schools located in Oklahoma. Among the degrees offered in the state is a bachelor’s related to training emergency response administrators with required coursework on multi-agency responses and strategic planning, among other topics.
Professional Certification – Oklahoma sets a high standard for emergency preparedness and facilitates additional training for those with expertise in emergency response measures. The state developed the Law Enforcement Terrorism Certification Program that offers certification at three levels, ranging from basic to advanced. This program is designed to enhance the skills of those with several years of experience and who currently hold homeland security careers.
Homeland Security Careers in Tulsa
Tulsa’s business community has opportunities for careers in homeland security such as being an account security officer for a major computer company. In addition, a number of homeland security organizations, ranging from federal to state, are located in Tulsa. They include:
- ICE. U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has an office adjacent to the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Headed by a resident agent-in-charge, officers investigate areas such as national security and international money laundering and drug smuggling.
- Secret Service. Special agents operate a financial crimes task force in Tulsa. In addition, it operates a world famous cell phone forensic facility, enabling wireless communication experts and electronic monitoring specialists to fight against cybercrime.
- FBI. The bureau has a resident agency in Tulsa with special agents and detectives operating against a variety of threats to homeland security in Oklahoma.
- ATAC Northern District of Oklahoma. As with other anti-terrorism advisory councils, this one is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Intelligence analysts focus on disrupting potential terrorist plots.
- Tulsa Area Emergency Management Agency. This group collaborates with other agencies to respond to emergencies and disasters, ranging from floods to nuclear attacks. Specialists in communications are a key part of their coordinated efforts.