Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Receives First Year End Homeland Security Report
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today received the 2006 Homeland Security Report from Director of Public Safety Mark James.
“It is imperative that Missouri remain proactive in our efforts to protect our homeland security,” Blunt said. “This report details the initiatives we have implemented to help protect the safety and security of Missourians. I commend Director James and his department on their work to further enhance our safety and ability to respond to disasters.”
“Our homeland security focus has been to become comprehensive, highly operational, and inclusive of multiple disciplines at the local and county level as well as the private sector and I believe each passing hour we achieve a little more of that philosophy,” James said. “I am proud of the significant strides we have made in protecting our homeland and our entire staff is dedicated to building on our success in the years to come. The year 2006 provided many real world tests of our capabilities as we managed numerous Presidential Declared Disasters in our state.”
The Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council brings together the leadership of all executive agencies with a responsibility in homeland security and has been an action-oriented, results driven group. Under Chairman James, the council assessed the state’s readiness and revamped Missouri’s homeland security strategy by developing policy that supports tactical operations.
The report outlines specific homeland security initiatives that have been implemented under the Blunt administration to further develop the homeland security mission. Below are some highlighted points from the report:
- Created the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) where all public safety information and intelligence is monitored and disseminated to the proper agencies 24 hours a day for the first time ever
- Drafted an interoperability of communication strategic plan to ensure law enforcement and first responders can communicate during a disaster
- Created and implemented a distribution formula for local government to receive homeland security grant funding
- Developed nine Regional Homeland Security Committees across the state matching Highway Patrol troop areas to encourage input from homeland security stakeholders
- Developed a web-based portal of emergency management tools to assist local and county public safety entities and schools in planning, responding and training for an emergency event using the latest technology
- Updated the State's Emergency Operations Plan to include a catastrophic Earthquake response section
- Increased the level of exercise training for local and state officials ranging from terrorist attacks to a pandemic
The 2006 Homeland Security Report is available online at www.dps.mo.gov or contact the Office of Homeland Security at (573) 522-3007 to receive a hard copy.
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