DHS Implementing Written Terrorism Alert System to Replace Color-Coded Alerts
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano has announced that the DHS will discontinue the color-coded alerts of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) in favor of a new system, the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS), which will be more specific in communicating information about terrorist threats.
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90 Days for Public and Private Sectors to Transition to New System
The NTAS will be implemented over the next 90 days, beginning on January 27, 2011, in order for DHS federal, state and local government, law enforcement entities, private and non-profit sector partners, airports, and other transport hubs to officially transition to the new system.
Alerts Will be Specific, Provide Statements & Summaries of Potential Threat Level
Under the new system, DHS will coordinate with other federal entities to issue formal, detailed alerts when the federal government receives information about a specific or credible terrorist threat. The alerts will include a clear statement that there is an “imminent threat” or “elevated threat," and will provide a concise summary of the potential threat, information about actions being taken to ensure public safety, and recommended steps that individuals and communities, businesses and governments can take.
The alerts will be specific to the threat and will have a “sunset provision,” meaning that individual threat alerts will be issued with a specified end date. Alerts may be extended if new information becomes available or if the threat evolves significantly.
NTAS Alerts May be to Sent Law Enforcement, Private Sector, or U.S. Public
The NTAS alerts will be based on the nature of the threat. In some cases, the alerts will be sent directly to law enforcement or affected areas of the private sector, while in others, alerts will be issued more broadly to the U.S. public through both official and media channels—including a designated DHS webpage (www.dhs.gov/alerts), as well as social media channels including Facebook and via Twitter @NTASAlerts.
Other DHS Efforts to Protect U.S. Borders Transnational Crime
Napolitano states that U.S. borders and ports of entry represent potential avenues, not just for terrorist travel, but also for threats in the form of smuggling, human trafficking, and transnational crime. DHS' is confronting these threats through its partnership with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to secure the supply chain infrastructure, and is working with state, local and, tribal law enforcement, and international allies, partners in the private sector, and the U.S. public on border security and immigration issues, and cyber security.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/07/11 news, 11010714, for BP summary of DHS partnership with WCO to secure supply chain infrastructure.)