According to the Department of Justice, South Dakota is just one of 15 states in which no specific foreign or domestic threat has been recognized by the Department of Homeland Security. It is also just one of 15 states that have had no terrorism convictions following September 11, 2001. However, South Dakota and it homeland security and emergency management professionals know all too well that counterterrorism efforts need to be addressed by every state and city in the nation.
As such, there are now no less than 28 organizations in the State of South Dakota working on homeland security and counterterrorism, with at least 7 of those organizations being created since 9/11.
Homeland Security Degrees and Certification in Rapid City
A degree in homeland security is a natural extension of many law enforcement and intelligence operations careers. As such, there is a wide array of homeland security degrees for individuals interested in specializing their education in this quickly growing field:
- Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management: Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Homeland Security Management
- Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security
- Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management
Core coursework in these degree programs is designed to address the following topics related to homeland security:
- Disaster Preparedness Strategies and Response Systems
- Terrorism and Threats
- Risk Assessment
- Responsibilities of Government Agencies in Homeland Security Initiatives
Homeland Security Careers in Rapid City
Given the many organizations committed to emergency management, counterterrorism and homeland security in South Dakota, homeland security professionals in Rapid City may find a wide array of job opportunities here:
Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center – South Dakota is a member of the Mid-States Organized Crime Information System, as well as the Intelligence Communications Enterprise for Information Sharing and Exchange, both of which are involved in sharing terrorism-related information. Professionals in this organization may include: intelligence analysts, international correspondents, and computer forensic specialists.
South Dakota Fusion Center – The Fusion Center, which was established in 2006 by the South Dakota’s Office of Homeland Security, is responsible for all hazards and crimes in the state.
South Dakota Department of Public Safety – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety serves as the state’s law enforcement agency, overseeing all emergency response and homeland security activities.
South Dakota Highway Patrol – The South Dakota Highway Patrol, a branch of the Department of Public Safety, manages the South Dakota Office of Homeland Security. It is responsible for assisting all city, county and tribal governments when determining their anti-terrorism needs. Professionals in this organization may include: undercover operations professionals and surveillance teams.
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation – The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, which is part of the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, controls the State’s Law Enforcement Information Network. Professionals in this organization may include: detectives, wireless communication experts, intelligence analysts, and electronic monitoring specialists.