Homeland security programs in Huntington, West Virginia are the responsibility of the Cabell/Wayne Homeland Security Group within the Huntington Police Department. This group includes members from emergency services and state homeland security agencies. This collaborative approach to maintaining public safety from terrorist operations involves intelligence sharing, assessing vulnerabilities and implementing an all hazards plan for protecting the community.
Huntington is also a major focus of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM). DHSEM provides specialized training to homeland security professionals throughout the state through sophisticated exercises based on federal terrorist attack models and past incidents. DHSEM also operates the West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center, which collects law enforcement, public safety and national security information for dissemination to local, state and federal authorities.
Terrorism Incidents Near Huntington, West Virginia
In 2012, William Alemar was arrested and charged with committing a terrorist act when he was found near a school with an AR-15 training rifle. A veteran of the Iraq war, Alemar was found in desert camouflage and bulletproof vest while carrying two knives and ammunition. Upon investigation, it was found that the rifle did not have live rounds but pellets for ammunition. While his father contends that Alemar was merely training for his next deployment, his lawyers have suggested that Alemar may be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Qualifications and Training for Homeland Security Specialists in Huntington,
West Virginia
Professionals with backgrounds in emergency management, criminal justice, counter terrorism operations, business continuity planning, or public health are likely to find numerous homeland security jobs in Huntington, West Virginia. Many of these jobs require applicants to meet criteria similar to the following:
- Ability to pass a background check
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
- U.S. citizen
- A bachelor’s degree in
- Homeland security
- Information management
- Terrorism studies
- Public administration
- Law enforcement
- Two or more years of experience in the homeland security field
- Experience conducting counter terrorism or intelligence operations
- Demonstrated ability working with officials from intelligence, law enforcement and military organizations
- Knowledge of the National Incident Management System, Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program, and National Response Framework
- Strong organizational, leadership and communication skills
Many of the post-secondary schools in the Huntington area offer degrees or certificates in homeland security related areas. There are also a number of national schools with online degree or certificate programs. These programs may provide an introduction to the homeland security field for newcomers or more intensive instruction for professionals already working in the field.
Among the most important private organizations supporting the homeland security profession are
- American Board for Certification in Homeland Security
- Certified in Homeland Security I-V (CHS)
- Certified National Threat Analyst (CNTA)
- Intelligence Analyst, Certified (IAC)
- Sensitive Security Information, Certified (SSI)
- National Domestic Preparedness Coalition
- Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP)
- Certified Homeland Protection Associate (CHPA)