AMU DHS Homeland Security Intelligence Terrorism

Will You Observe DHS’s New Terror Alert System?

In Homeland Security Staff

In the wake of terror attacks in San Bernardino, CA, and against global Western targets, the Department of Homeland Security is looking to unveil a new terror alert system to enhance the preparedness and response posture of United States.

“We need a system that adequately informs the public at large,” said DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson during a Defense One magazine summit today as reported by ABC News. He hopes to unveil the new system in the coming days. The primary function of the new system will be to remove “some of the mystery about (the) global terrorist threat and what we are doing about it—and what we’re asking the public to do.”

Third DHS Alert System Coming Soon

This will be the third iteration of DHS’s public-facing terror alert system. Many recall the color-coded system put in place during President Bush’s administration and managed by former Secretary Tom Ridge shortly after 9/11 that was oft-criticized then modified nearly a decade later by Secretary Janet Napolitano under President Obama.

The next-generation system, “NTASK—The National Threat Advisory System,” according to Secretary Johnson, will replace “the color codes or color bars” associated with its predecessors. The new system is one that he pointed out was never used prior, “Because it depends on a specific credible threat.” The Secretary, whose birthday falls on Sept. 11, explained the importance of providing an intermediate level that reflects the current threat environment.

No further details were provided by Secretary Johnson during the announcement. In Homeland Security will continue to provide updates when the system officially goes live.

 

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