The Guarini Institute for Government and Leadership at Saint Peter’s University recently hosted a panel discussion on Homeland Security.
In the wake of the September 11th attacks, Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to strengthen the country’s infrastructure. In order for these security efforts to be successful, leaders must work together. Coordination, cooperation and interoperability among a number of federal, state and local departments is imperative to the country’s safety. The distinguished panel of experts that explored these topics included Greg Kierce, director, Jersey City Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Alison Tarnopol, chief, Preparedness Bureau, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness; Anthony Romano, freeholder, District 5, Hudson County; and Brian Cahill, lieutenant JCPD, JCPD-FBI/Joint Terrorism Task Force. They discussed homeland security needs in New Jersey and how the state works with counties and municipalities to ensure safety preparedness for disasters and counter terrorism. John Heinis, writer for the Hudson County View, and Leila Sadeghi, Ph.D., executive director of the Guarini Institute, moderated the panel.
To start the discussion, Heinis asked Tarnopol how New Jersey compares to other states as far as homeland security. She responded by first giving an overview of the role of the Preparedness Bureau where she identifies gaps and vulnerabilities in New Jersey’s safety and security plans and then makes recommendations.
“In order to be resilient, you have to be prepared,” she said.
As far as how New Jersey stacks against other states, she said that instead of comparing, she meets with other states and learns from them.
“We hold each other to each other’s standards instead of comparing,” she said.
Sharing information proved to be an important theme as the conversation unfolded. For example, according to Kierce, the Jersey City Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness receives much of their information from local groups and they have built great relationships with these individuals.
“We have to work together,” Kierce said. “We rely on the corporation of the local people. If you see something, you should say something.”
Cahill from the JCPD agreed, adding, “Most of our information comes from everyday people.”
He encourages his detectives to be out on the street and responding to calls. He believes customer service goes a long way.
“People want to see cops out there making an effort. I want my staff making connections,” he said. He stressed that communication is an important factor in everything that he does. His staff follows up with neighbors and they give victims a sense of comfort.
Romano agreed and he added to the conversation by saying, “When egos are put aside, we can achieve great things, cooperate and work together.”
Dr. Sadeghi still wondered, though, if there are ever any offers made for information or guarantees that the companies will not be exploited.
Tarnopol replied, “You have to build those relationships—you are not just in it to get information and leave—you have to build a lifelong relationship.”
Kierce agreed by adding, “Trust is something that is earned.”
Lastly, they discussed cyber security. With dismay, the panelists agreed that New Jersey and the United States are behind the curve when it comes to cyber terrorism. Many of the issues related to cyber security deal with a lack of funding.
“If you do not have the funding, you cannot investigate. The software is constantly changing and constantly needs to be updated. It is cost prohibitive,” said Cahill. “It’s frustrating.”
Overall, the panelists agreed one of the main priorities when it comes to homeland security, even though it might not seem obvious is maintaining a strong connection to the communities. They maintain these connections by building trust, being present in the community and showing neighbors that they care.
To learn more about the Guarini Institute, click here.