Alabama Department of Homeland Security
Encyclopedia
The Alabama Department of Homeland Security (AL DHS) is a state agency with the executive branch of the Alabama State government designed to develop, coordinate, and implement of a state policy to secure the State of Alabama from terrorist threat or attack. It was established by the Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003
(Code of Alabama 1975, § 31-9A) which was signed on on June 18, 2003 by Governor Bob Riley
. The Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security is Spencer Collier who was appointed by Governor Robert J. Bentley December 23, 2010.
Alabama is the first state in the United States
to create its own legislatively enacted Cabinet-level
Department of Homeland Security.
The AL DHS co-sponsored "Be Ready Camps" with the Alabama Department of Education
and Governor's Office of Faith-based and community initiatives.
.
The functions and all other activities of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security are considered functions and protected by the State of Alabama governmental immunity.
(Act 2003-276, p. 658, §4), the Alabama Department of Homeland Security is designated as the principal state agency to coordinate the receipt, distribution, and monitoring of all funds available from any source for the purpose of equipping, training, research, and education in regard to homeland security related items, issues, or services. The department is further designated and authorized to coordinate and establish standards for all operations and activities of the state related to homeland security efforts.
The Alabama Department of Homeland Security, however, does not have any power or authority to interfere with any funds from any source specifically appropriated for the Alabama State Port Authority, the Birmingham Airport Authority, the Huntsville Airport Authority, the Mobile Airport Authority, and the Montgomery Airport Authority.
(Act 2003-276, p. 658, §5), the Director shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the Governor and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. (The first Director, James M. Walker, Jr., was not subject to confirmation by the senate). The salary of the director is set by the Governor of Alabama
.
The director, subject to the direction and authority of the Governor of Alabama
, shall be the executive head of the department and shall be responsible to the Governor for coordinating, designing, and implementing Alabama's program for homeland security. The director shall be the principal point of contact for and to the Governor of Alabama
with respect to homeland security
issues.
The director has the following responsibilities:
The governor can grant additional authority, duties, and responsibilities provided that they are within (Act 2003-276, p. 658, §5).
The Director cannot impose security requirements on any private sector facility that are inconsistent with existing or future requirements applicable to private sector facilities pursuant to federal law or regulations, including those adopted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal Department of Homeland Security or other federal agencies.
for the purpose of advising the Homeland Security Director on the comprehensive plan and program for homeland security and other matters as determined by majority vote of the task force.
The task force consists of the following members:
(The representatives are made from a list of three nominees).
And other representatives as deemed necessary and appointed by the Governor of Alabama
, and approved by the legislative oversight committee of Alabama
.
Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003
The Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003 which was signed on on June 18, 2003 by Alabama governor Bob Riley, created the Alabama Department of Homeland Security.-External links:* *...
(Code of Alabama 1975, § 31-9A) which was signed on on June 18, 2003 by Governor Bob Riley
Bob Riley
Bob Riley may refer to:* Bob Riley, 52nd Governor of Alabama* Bob C. Riley, acting Governor of Arkansas for 11 days in 1975* Bob Riley , sports car designer and founder of Riley Technologies...
. The Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security is Spencer Collier who was appointed by Governor Robert J. Bentley December 23, 2010.
Alabama is the first state in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to create its own legislatively enacted Cabinet-level
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
Department of Homeland Security.
The AL DHS co-sponsored "Be Ready Camps" with the Alabama Department of Education
Alabama Department of Education
The Alabama State Department of Education is the state education agency of Alabama. It is headquartered at 50 N. Ripley Street in Montgomery....
and Governor's Office of Faith-based and community initiatives.
Purpose
The purpose of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security is "to work with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the private sector, in order to develop a strategic plan to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks within the State of Alabama." It is also responsible for administering homeland security grants and coordinating all homeland security related actions within the state of AlabamaAlabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
The functions and all other activities of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security are considered functions and protected by the State of Alabama governmental immunity.
Funds
As per the Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003
The Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003 which was signed on on June 18, 2003 by Alabama governor Bob Riley, created the Alabama Department of Homeland Security.-External links:* *...
(Act 2003-276, p. 658, §4), the Alabama Department of Homeland Security is designated as the principal state agency to coordinate the receipt, distribution, and monitoring of all funds available from any source for the purpose of equipping, training, research, and education in regard to homeland security related items, issues, or services. The department is further designated and authorized to coordinate and establish standards for all operations and activities of the state related to homeland security efforts.
The Alabama Department of Homeland Security, however, does not have any power or authority to interfere with any funds from any source specifically appropriated for the Alabama State Port Authority, the Birmingham Airport Authority, the Huntsville Airport Authority, the Mobile Airport Authority, and the Montgomery Airport Authority.
Director of Alabama Department of Homeland Security
As per Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003
The Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003 which was signed on on June 18, 2003 by Alabama governor Bob Riley, created the Alabama Department of Homeland Security.-External links:* *...
(Act 2003-276, p. 658, §5), the Director shall be appointed by and hold office at the pleasure of the Governor and shall be subject to confirmation by the Senate. (The first Director, James M. Walker, Jr., was not subject to confirmation by the senate). The salary of the director is set by the Governor of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
The director, subject to the direction and authority of the Governor of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, shall be the executive head of the department and shall be responsible to the Governor for coordinating, designing, and implementing Alabama's program for homeland security. The director shall be the principal point of contact for and to the Governor of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
with respect to homeland security
Homeland security
Homeland security is an umbrella term for security efforts to protect states against terrorist activity. Specifically, is a concerted national effort to prevent terrorist attacks within the U.S., reduce America’s vulnerability to terrorism, and minimize the damage and recover from attacks that do...
issues.
Powers and Duties of the Director
The Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security receives intelligence information from federal authorities relating to homeland security and ensure that, to the extent allowed by law, all appropriate and necessary intelligence and law enforcement information regarding homeland security is disseminated to and exchanged among appropriate executive departments responsible for homeland security, and where appropriate, promote the exchange of such information with county and local governments and private entities.The director has the following responsibilities:
- To assist in planning and executing exercises and simulations designed to practice those systems that would be utilized in response to a terrorist threat or attack within AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
- To assist in state efforts to ensure public health preparedness for a terrorist event.
- To engage in the exchange of information with the United States federal government relating to immigration and efforts to improve the security of the borders, territorial waters, and ports of the United States.
- To coordinate the efforts to protect the people of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
and AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
's critical infrastructure from terrorist attack, including, but not limited to, energy production, transmission and distribution systems, telecommunications, nuclear facilities, public and privately owned information systems, special public and private events, transportation hubs and networks, livestock, water, food supplies, and research institutions.
- To Ensure that state, county, and local governmental agencies and authorities coordinate and cooperate with private sector security forces responsible for the protection of critical infrastructure consistent with federal laws and regulations applicable to private sector security forces related to homeland security issues.
- To coordinate the strategy of the Executive Branch for communicating with the public in the event of a terrorist threat or attack within the State of Alabama. The director shall also coordinate the development of programs for educating the public about the nature of terrorist threats and the appropriate precautions and responses.
- To provide information and advice to the Director of Finance and to the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Finances and Budgets on the level and use of funding for state departments and agencies relating to homeland security. Prior to the Alabama Governor transmitting the annual budget to the Legislature, the director shall certify to the Director of Finance the funding levels that are necessary and appropriate to carry out the homeland security activities of the Executive Branch.
- To prepare a comprehensive plan and program for homeland security, such plan and program to be integrated and coordinated with the plans of the federal government and of other states to the fullest possible extent, including plans for the security of critical infrastructure licensed or regulated by agencies of the federal government.
- To cooperate with the President and the heads of the armed forces, with the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, and with the officers and agencies of other states in matters pertaining to the security and defense of the state and nation.
- To assist in the utilization of the services and facilities of existing officers and agencies of the state and the political subdivisions of the state for homeland security issues.
The governor can grant additional authority, duties, and responsibilities provided that they are within (Act 2003-276, p. 658, §5).
The Director cannot impose security requirements on any private sector facility that are inconsistent with existing or future requirements applicable to private sector facilities pursuant to federal law or regulations, including those adopted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the federal Department of Homeland Security or other federal agencies.
Homeland Security Task Force
The Homeland Security Task Force meets at least twice each year and when convened by the Governor of AlabamaAlabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
for the purpose of advising the Homeland Security Director on the comprehensive plan and program for homeland security and other matters as determined by majority vote of the task force.
The task force consists of the following members:
- The Governor of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, as Chairman - The Director of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security
- The Director of Emergency Management of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Adjutant General of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Attorney General of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The State Health Officer of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Director of Public Safety of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Director of Transportation of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Director of Finance of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The Director of the Alabama Port Authority of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- The State Fire Marshal of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of county governments appointed by the Governor of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of municipal governments appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of county law enforcement agencies appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of municipal law enforcement agencies appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of paid fire departments appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of volunteer fire departments appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of local emergency management agencies appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of local emergency communications districts appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of the airport authorities located within the state appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
- A representative of the Judicial Branch of Government of Alabama appointed by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court of AlabamaAlabamaAlabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
(The representatives are made from a list of three nominees).
And other representatives as deemed necessary and appointed by the Governor of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
, and approved by the legislative oversight committee of Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
Division
The Alabama Department of Homeland Security is divided into four areas:- Borders, Ports and Transportation
- Science and Technology
- Information Management and Budget
- Emergency Preparedness and Response
External links
- Functional Analysis & Records Disposition Authority, Alabama Department of Homeland Security
- About the Alabama Department of Homeland Security, Alabama Department of Homeland Security
- Alabama DHS Overview in PowerPoint Format, Alabama Department of Homeland Security
- Alabama DHS Regions, Alabama Department of Homeland Security
- ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
- Alabama Homeland Security Act of 2003