Homeland Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Homeland Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection

Introduction

Federal laws define critical infrastructure as physical or virtual systems and assets that have so much significance to United States that their destruction would cause a devastating impact on US security. Its destruction also influences the national public health, national economic security, or a combination of these matters. Critical infrastructure provides a great deal of services and opportunities. The Homeland Security department is vigilant in keeping these critical infrastructures away from risk, such as terrorist attacks, deadly diseases and natural disasters. This kind of threats causes severe affects that include the power transportation, clean water and emergency supplies.

In 1990, a number of high profile shooting events took place. This was the main reason for diverting America's attention towards the matter of school shooting. These unfavorable events created fear and threat in public. Therefore, it had a huge impact on the amendments of security policies and procedures related to nation's school. These efforts to make school safe places were appreciated by public

Discussion

All around the world, schools are thought to be the safest places for children. The phenomenon has changed a lot after the high profile shootings in schools, over the past decade. According to U.S. Department of Education's report on school safety, there has been an increased terror among students, parents and educators.

A number of studies have recommended paying special concern to the grievances of America's youngsters. Only a few teachers, parents, school administrators, coaches, and law enforcement authorities can play a significant role in preventing violence on the school level.

Connection with Caring Concern

The Secret Service study presents the fact that as soon as a young individual plans a targeted violence, he often tells at least one person, closest to him, about it. The individual provides a brief description about to be happenings of the event and specifications of weapons. The person they take into confidence usually belongs to their own home or is a relative. Therefore, one of the most important prevention can be to provide young people the opportunity to have regular conversations with caring adults.

Respond to warning Signs

There are a number of warning signs that appear before the occurrence of violence. Mostly, the attackers are involved in a particular behavior that provides an indication for help. These behaviors are often observed by more than one person. One example of such behavior is to make an effort for obtaining weapons. This kind of behavior is noticed by police, school administrators along with the student fellows. Moreover, threat for suicide, suicidal attempts and similar gestures are the behaviors most prevalent before the attack.

The best remedy is to immediately respond to students who are facing such issues. Studies show the significance of attending students who face losses, failure, and feelings of desperation and hopelessness (US Report, 2002).

Recommendation against profiling

The events of school shootings are quite rare and the profiles make false predictions. Often the profiles generate stereotypes and really don't solve ...