The second largest city in the state, Casper, is also a regionally important center for energy and finance industries. Since the 19th century when oil was discovered nearby, Casper has played an important role in oil production. Today a major refinery remains in the area and there are significant coal and uranium mining operations. Casper has grown into a major commercial center with important banking firms supporting these important companies.
With so much important financial and commercial activity in the area, Casper presents a number of important targets for potential terrorists. In response the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security has implemented a number of critical initiatives. The Regional Emergency Response Teams are assigned to multi-county districts and respond to incidents involving weapons of mass destruction, hazardous materials, and natural disasters. These teams are activated when local personnel are overwhelmed by the scope of an emergency.
Terrorist Activity in Casper
In 2011, a report by the Federal Bureau of Investigation suggested that residents of the state could be under investigation for participation in the sovereign citizen movement. This movement appeared to have a number of active members who publicly denied the authority of the federal government over them. Casper residents including Ed Corrigan and John Arthur Taylor have publicly voiced their sovereign citizen sentiments. The FBI has labeled the sovereign citizen movement as one its top domestic terrorism concerns; bureau analysts believe that many believers could attempt a violent overthrow of the government.
How to Become a Homeland Security Professional in Casper, Wyoming
While the exact details of many homeland security jobs in Casper, Wyoming require inquiry on the part of applicants, many professionals with experience in fields like public health, business administration, information security, emergency planning, and law enforcement are likely to find a wealth of employment opportunities. These homeland security jobs typically require qualifications similar to the following:
- A bachelor’s degree in
- Criminal justice
- Law
- Public administration
- Network security
- Epidemiology
- Business management
- At least two years of experience in emergency planning, anti-terrorism operations or disaster management
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
- Strong proficiencies in organization, leadership and communication
- Experience planning and conducting homeland security exercises or training programs
There are a number of federal agencies that offer training for homeland security professionals in Casper, Wyoming. The Emergency Management Institute is the educational and training partner for the Department of Homeland Security and offers a wide selection of courses including:
- Preparing for mass casualty incidents: a guide for schools, higher education and houses of worship
- Critical infrastructure Security: theft and diversion
- Introduction to the Incident Command System for Law Enforcement
- Introduction to the Incident Command System for Food and Drug Administration
- National Incident Management System, an Introduction
- NIMS Communications and Information Management
- National Response Framework, an Introduction