By Jennifer Eder
The United States is replacing its color-coded terror warning alerts with a system designed to deliver detailed advisories to potential targets.
Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, made the announcement at the George Washington University’s Jack Morton Auditorium in the School of Media and Public Affairs.
The new initiative, which will formally be called the National Terrorism Advisory System, will issue comprehensive reports about “imminent” or “elevated” threats as well as information about what actions the government or law enforcement are doing to ensure public safety and recommended steps that individuals and communities can take.
“The new system will be built on a new and simple premise. When a threat develops that could impact you, the public, we will tell you. We will provide whatever information we can so you know how to protect yourselves, your families and your communities,” said Secretary Napolitano. “The new system reflects the reality that we must always be on alert and be ready.”
In some instances, the alerts may only be issued to law enforcement or specific businesses such as airlines or shopping malls. If the alerts need to be broadcasted to the general public, the Department of Homeland Security will rely on the news media and social media to get the word out. The alerts will also include a specific end date. The new system will take effect in late April.
In his welcoming remarks before introducing Secretary Napolitano, GW President Steven Knapp thanked the Department of Homeland Security for supporting a range of policy research and educational efforts at GW, including graduate programs in cyber security, emergency management and security policy. Frank Cilluffo, director of GW’s Homeland Security Policy Institute (HSPI) – a nonpartisan “think and do” tank whose mission is to create innovative strategies and solutions to current and future threats– moderated a question and answer session after the secretary’s speech.
Secretary Napolitano recognized Mr. Cilluffo for his leadership in directing HSPI.
“Under his leadership, HSPI has been at the vanguard of treating homeland security as its own discipline that demands serious study. Because of this institute and other efforts emerging at colleges and universities across the country, homeland security is taking its place among longer-standing fields – like international affairs and criminal justice – as an area where major global challenges are being studied and addressed,” she said.
Secretary Napolitano’s speech at GW was the kick-off for a yearlong college tour where the secretary will be addressing different aspects of homeland security.
The color-coded system was created in 2002 after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The five levels – green for low, blue for guarded, yellow for elevated, orange for high and red for severe – will be phased out over the next few months. Travelers will no longer hear the automated messages at airports announcing the current threat level.
Secretary Napolitano encouraged GW students to pursue a career with homeland security.
“For the students and young professionals here with us today, you are the next wave of homeland security thinkers, professionals and managers. You can and undoubtedly will have a significant influence on this emerging field,” she said. “All of these positions come with the opportunity not only to do great work in this exciting and new field but to serve your nation as well.”
The Department of Homeland Security offers careers in law enforcement, intelligence and counter terrorism. Positions include intelligence analysts, policy experts, international affairs specialists, secret service agents and investigators.
Secretary Napolitano stressed the need for a “whole nation approach” when it comes to fighting terrorism. Local law enforcement, community groups, the private sector and citizens must work side-by-side the Department of Homeland Security, she said.
“The threats we face today are real. They are persistent, and they are evolving rapidly. We know Al Qaeda and other groups sharing their ideology continue to target us, and we’re also dealing with terrorists that use the internet and social media to reach vulnerable individuals and inspire new recruits,” she said. “We’re all in this together, and we all have a role to play.”