Review of the Department of Homeland Security's approach to risk analysis

Author(s)

    • National Research Council (U.S.). Committee to Review the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis

Bibliographic Information

Review of the Department of Homeland Security's approach to risk analysis

Committee to Review the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis, National Research Council of the National Academies

National Academies Press, c2010

  • : pbk

Available at  / 1 libraries

Search this Book/Journal

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-124)

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The events of September 11, 2001 changed perceptions, rearranged national priorities, and produced significant new government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created in 2003. While the principal mission of DHS is to lead efforts to secure the nation against those forces that wish to do harm, the department also has responsibilities in regard to preparation for and response to other hazards and disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and other "natural" disasters. Whether in the context of preparedness, response or recovery from terrorism, illegal entry to the country, or natural disasters, DHS is committed to processes and methods that feature risk assessment as a critical component for making better-informed decisions. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis explores how DHS is building its capabilities in risk analysis to inform decision making. The department uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although DHS is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. In addition to assessing the capability of DHS risk analysis methods to support decision-making, the book evaluates the quality of the current approach to estimating risk and discusses how to improve current risk analysis procedures. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis recommends that DHS continue to build its integrated risk management framework. It also suggests that the department improve the way models are developed and used and follow time-tested scientific practices, among other recommendations. Table of Contents Front Matter Summary 1 Introduction 2 Overview of Risk Analysis at DHS 3 Challenges to Risk Analysis for Homeland Security 4 Evaluation of DHS Risk Analysis 5 The Path Forward References Appendixes Appendix A: Characterization of Uncertainty Appendix B: Evolution of Risk Analysis at EPA Appendix C: List of Committee Meetings and Site Visits Appendix D: Presenters and Resource Persons at the Committee's Information-Gathering Meetings Appendix E: Committee Biographical Information

Table of Contents

  • 1 Front Matter
  • 2 Summary
  • 3 1 Introduction
  • 4 2 Overview of Risk Analysis at DHS
  • 5 3 Challenges to Risk Analysis for Homeland Security
  • 6 4 Evaluation of DHS Risk Analysis
  • 7 5 The Path Forward
  • 8 References
  • 9 Appendixes
  • 10 Appendix A: Characterization of Uncertainty
  • 11 Appendix B: Evolution of Risk Analysis at EPA
  • 12 Appendix C: List of Committee Meetings and Site Visits
  • 13 Appendix D: Presenters and Resource Persons at the Committee's Information-Gathering Meetings
  • 14 Appendix E: Committee Biographical Information

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

Page Top