Part 1

Homeland security

 The most important objective in homeland security is “preventing terrorist attacks within the United States” (Miskel, 2008). This is because; this objective is tied with their mission and vision   of having a safe country from terrorists’ attacks through implementing strategic plans and efforts.   The prevention requires great effort from the entire society such as federal government and private sectors to prevent the terrorist attack. Preventing terrors attack is the main objective and the department is responsible for this through providing support to national security.   The homeland security ensures security through preventing unauthorized acquisition and the importation of nuclear materials (Miskel, 2008).

             The most difficult objective to achieve is that of “reducing America’s vulnerability to terrorism” (Miskel, 2008).  This is because,   violent Islamic terrorist groups like al-Qaida have the power to attack the America and the groups are compelled by an undiminished strategic plan.  Despite the fact that most terrorists were killed in September 11, the Islamic group has a top leadership which has the core capabilities to attack the Homeland.   Al-Qaida has formed a strong collaboration with regional terrorists groups which are capable to attack America.  Al-Qaida also has a host group in U.S which poses potential threats to the Homeland security. For example, Hizballah is an Islamist militant group in Lebanon and it may attack the Homeland security (Miskel, 2008).  

The most important objective which falls under the responsibility of DHS is “Preventing terrorist attacks within the United States” (Miskel, 2008). This is the founding principle   as well as the highest propriety.  Prevention efforts are needed from families and communities, local government and private sectors and there should be availability of resources in order to fight terrorism. It is responsible of ensuring that America is a safe country through fighting crime, passing law and preparing the country in case of natural disaster. It is also responsible in managing border security, cyber security and counterterrorism.

 

Part 2

Science and Technology

The electronic scanner has improved airport security in that the full-body scanner is able to detect packages which may be hidden by the passengers. I t has improved the detection performance and the machine is an operational cost savings.  In addition, the new technology is sensitive to environment and it has improved security as it is able to detect metallic and nonmetallic illegal imports. It has controlled the Cyberphysical attacks by fixing X-ray emitters with computer system   then detecting security threats (Elias & Library of Congress, 2009).

 Electronic scanner will prevent another hijacking since   the machine is detecting dangerous substances and has a high-energy X –rays which contract a highly realistic image.  The machine has a sound security measures and an advanced technology.  The investment made in added security measures does not worth the passengers impact since that the machine is associated with health risk.  For example the high-energy X –rays uses ionizing radiation which may leads to health risk. For example, the high-energy rays   are associated with low-dose radiation and the exposure to radiation increases the risk of cancer (Elias & Library of Congress, 2009). Apart from health risk, the machine does not offer maximum protection since it is unable to discover low-density materials like liquids and other explosives which are hidden.   Therefore, still there is need for improvements in order reduce potential risk which may due to lack of maximum protection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reference

Elias, B., & Library of Congress. (2009). Airport passenger screening: Background and issues for Congress.

Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service.

Miskel, J. F. (2008). Disaster response and homeland security: What works, what doesn't. Stanford, Calif:

Stanford Security Studies.