The Port of Providence recently received a new chemical detection sensor system, thanks to efforts of the Providence Emergency Management Agency. The system of chemical detectors enhances security and alerts first responders to chemical hazards (either accidental or intentional) within the Port. The sensors provide emergency response professionals with the information needed to evaluate threats and act to protect the residents from those threats.
The new sensors in the Port of Providence are in addition to the Port’s video surveillance system, which allows PEMA to ascertain any emergencies involving vessels in Narragansett Bay, and an emergency warning system, which is designed to notify businesses and residents, via an audible alarm, of emergency situations.
Providence, Rhode Island, through these measures, as well as a host of programs and initiatives, is prepared to handle homeland security threats as they arise. The homeland security professionals of Providence provide homeland security, domestic preparedness, and antiterrorism programs to residents and visitors.
Homeland Security Degrees and Certification Opportunities in Providence,
Rhode Island
Although not all careers in homeland security require college degrees, the vast majority of homeland security jobs require training of some kind in homeland security, which is why so many professionals seek homeland security degrees and certification from accredited colleges and universities, such as:
- Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
- Master of Arts in Homeland Security
- Master of Science in Legal Studies: Homeland Security
- Master of Science in Homeland Security Management
- Advanced Certificate in Homeland Security Management
Coursework in these programs varies, although core curriculum is often quite similar. Common core courses include:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Homeland Security
- Cyber-Terrorism
- Constitutional Law
- International Terrorism
- Bio-Terrorism and its Effects
- Domestic Terrorism
- Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Emergency Planning and Disaster Preparedness
Professional certification in homeland security is quite common, with professionals seeking certification to further their careers in this swiftly evolving field. Certification may be achieved through the National Domestic Preparedness Coalition and the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security.
Homeland Security Careers and Jobs in Providence
The Providence Joint Terrorism Task Force Annex is overseen by the FBI Boston field office (which has a resident office in Providence), and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Field Intelligence Group in Boston has jurisdiction over the State of Rhode Island. Professionals here may include wireless communication experts, intelligence analysts, undercover operations teams, and surveillance teams, just to name a few.
The Rhode Island State Police established the Rhode Island State Fusion Center, which coordinates counterterrorism activities with the FBI Field Office. Detectives and other law enforcement personnel, as well as computer forensic specialists and surveillance teams are just a few of the professionals in this agency.
The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency works alongside the Department of Homeland Security. It is responsible for preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, and responding to and recovering from disasters, including acts of terrorism. Professionals within this agency likely include transportation security agents, foreign bureau agents, and intelligence analysts.