This is a print on demand edition of a hard to find publication. Since 2003, the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) has been a designated as high risk because DHS had to transform 22 agencies into one dept., and failure to effectively address its mission and mgmt. risks could have serious consequences for national and economic security. This high-risk area includes: challenges in mgmt. functional areas, including acquisition, IT, financial, and human capital mgmt.; the impact of those challenges on mission implementation; and mgmt. integration. This testimony discusses DHS's progress and actions remaining in: (1) implementing its mgmt. functions; (2) integrating those functions and strengthening performance measurement; and (3) addressing the high-risk designation. Illustrations.

Provides a comprehensive account of past and current homeland security reorganization and practices, policies and programs in relation to government restructuring.

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.