The homeland security operations in Dallas, Texas are administered by the Dallas County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM). HSEM works closely with city and county first responders, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organizations, public officials and community volunteers to ensure that the area is adequately prepared for any possible terrorist incident. Dallas was designated a Tier One Terrorism Threat Level community by the federal government in 2009 and has utilized federal grant money from the Urban Area Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant Programs to optimize prevention, mitigation and response programs.
Training and Qualifications for Homeland Security Professionals in Dallas, Texas
Professionals with experience or academic backgrounds in information security, intelligence analysis, criminal justice, border security or public administration may be able to secure homeland security jobs in Dallas if they possess the following qualifications:
- U.S. citizenship
- Two years of full time experience in homeland security, emergency management or disaster preparedness
- A bachelor’s degree in
- Homeland security studies
- Terrorism studies
- International relations
- Information technology
- Public policy
- Ability to pass a background check and obtain a security clearance
- Knowledge of state, local and federal homeland security laws and regulations
Training for many homeland security professions is provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, which offers a wide selection of training courses and periodic training exercises modeled on federal terrorist incident templates. Courses include:
- Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement
- National Incident Management System Public Information Systems
- National Response Framework, an Introduction
- EOC Management and Operations
- Mass Fatalities
- Homeland Security Planning for Local Governments
There are a number of highly reputed industry organizations that offer certification programs for homeland security professionals.
- American Board for Certification in Homeland Security
- Certified in Homeland Security
- Sensitive Security Information, Certified
- Intelligence Analyst Certified
- National Domestic Preparedness Coalition
- Certified Homeland Protection Professional
- Certified Homeland Protection Associate
Terrorist Activity in Dallas
In 2009, Hosam Maher Huseign Smadi was arrested for planning a bombing of Fountain Place, a skyscraper in downtown Dallas. The Jordanian citizen had entered the U.S. illegally and unknowingly collaborated with his sleeper cell that were composed of federal agents. These agents provided inactive chemicals to Smadi who believed that he had components for a chemical explosive. Smadi attempted to detonate the inoperative bomb in the garage of the building when agents arrested him. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
In 2011, Khalid Ali-M Aldawsari, a Saudi Arabian citizen was arrested for attempting to use a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Aldawsari had purchased several chemicals and equipment necessary to manufacture an Improvised Explosive Device as well as researched several potential U.S. targets including the former residence of President George W. Bush. Upon his arrest he was found to possess materials and writings attesting to his desire for jihad and martyrdom.