NCJ Number
212319
Date Published
2005
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines the impact of the adoption of the National Response Plan (NRP) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS) by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the aftermath of the mandates of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
Abstract
In appraising the initial versions of the NRP and the NIMS, some emergency management professionals were concerned that the focus was weighted heavily toward terrorism threats, with a consequent weakening of the all-hazards approach to risk management. For a considerable time, it appeared the DHS was using the initial compositions of the NRP and NIMS, which did not involve input from State and local emergency managers and responders, to impose Federal standards on frontline troops involved in all-hazards preparedness. Subsequently, however, the DHS has become more flexible and open to suggestions from State, local, and tribal governments as well as emergency response groups. The adopted NIMS provides a formalized structure for their ongoing feedback on regulations and other issues through the vehicle of the NIMS Integration Center. Still, the final word on the Federal regulation of State and local emergency responders and managers comes from the DHS Secretary. Further, the Bush administration apparently holds contradictory views of emergency preparedness, purporting commitment to all-hazards readiness while diverting funds away from emergency responders and emergency managers who must address the harms and devastation caused by natural disasters, fires, and hazardous-materials incidents. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 could be amended to give the concerned communities a formalized portion of control over the regulatory scheme with which they must abide. 39 notes and discussion questions