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About Homeland Security in Sargent County?

On October 4, 2001, Governor John Hoeven's designation of the statewide Emergency Management infrastructure was adapted to enhance homeland security through awareness, coordinated preparedness, prevention, and response.

In each North Dakota community and County, residents adopted heightened security measures in the wake of September 11th. A private, public and individual partnership to "Watch the Neighborhood" evolved, emphasizing the necessity to "lock the doors", and report any suspicious activities in neighborhoods; schools; workplaces; high-profile, heavily-attended events; and key facilities.

As a result of these efforts, Sargent County began to evaluate and adjust training and operational initiatives; continues to work towards incorporating security measures of key facilities; increased intelligence gathering and sharing amongst law enforcement, military and public agencies; enhancing direct communications with federal and state counterparts; and launching public information campaigns designed to empower individuals and organizations in the county.

The program began with the mission of Preventing Terrorism and has grown since its beginning and covers such areas of security to include but not limited to Border Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Civil Rights and Civil liberties, CyberSecurity, Economic Security, Homeland Security Enterprise, Immigration Enforcement, and Transportation Security.

What is Homeland Security?

Homeland security is an American umbrella term referring to the national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce the vulnerability of the U.S. to terrorism, and minimize the damage from attacks that do occur.

The term arose following a reorganization of many U.S. government agencies in 2003 to form the United States Department of Homeland Security after the September 11 attacks, and may be used to refer to the actions of that department, the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, or the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security.

Homeland defense (HD) is the protection of U.S. territory, sovereignty, domestic population, and critical infrastructure against external threats and aggression.

Establishment. - There is established a Department of Homeland Security, as an executive department of the United States within the meaning of title 5, United States Code.

Mission Statement:

The primary mission of the Department is to:

• prevent terrorist attacks within the United States;
• reduce the vulnerability of the United States to terrorism; and
• minimize the damage, and assist in the recovery, from terrorist attacks that do occur within the United States.

What is the Difference between Emergency Management and Homeland Security?

Emergency Management programs are all-hazard driven. Homeland Security programs have a single discipline focus which is terrorism.

As An Individual, What can I do?

Homeland Security Begins with Hometown Security

If you see something suspicious taking place then report that behavior or activity to local law enforcement or in the case of emergency call 9-1-1. Factors such as race, ethnicity, national origin, or religious affiliation alone are not suspicious. For that reason, the public should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack in a public place or someone trying to break into a restricted area) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity. Only reports that document behavior reasonably indicative of criminal activity related to terrorism will be shared with federal partners.

DHS is working to expand "If You See Something, Say Something" throughout the country by partnering with a variety of entities including: transportation systems, universities, states, cities, sports leagues and local law enforcement.

Report Suspicious Activity to Local Law Enforcement

In Case of Emergency always Call 9-1-1.

Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign

More and more, Americans are adopting new and innovative technologies and spending more of their time online. Our thirst for computers, smartphones, gadgets and Wi-Fi seems to have no limits. At home, at work and at school, our growing dependence on technology, coupled with increasing cyber threats and risks to our privacy, demands greater security in our online world.

Stop: Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.

Think: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Consider how your actions online could impact your safety, or your family's.

Connect: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you've taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer

Wendy M. Willprecht, Emergency Manager/911 Coordinator
wendy.willprecht@co.sargent.nd.us
(701) 724-6241 -113

Homeland Security Training Opportunities

Homeland Security Training information is available by calling Wendy Willprecht with the Sargent County Emergency Management at 701)724-6241 x:113. Other Emergency Management Training can be found by going to the FEMA website.

For More Information:

https://www.dhs.gov

http://www.nd.gov/des/homeland