KEEPING AMERICA SAFE
A Recognized Leader In Homeland Security
Since 9/11, Governor O’Malley has been recognized as a national leader on homeland security and public safety issues. He has led nation-wide homeland security efforts as an advocate, exemplar of best practices, and adviser to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Governor O’Malley considers protecting the homeland the foremost responsibility of those in public service.
• As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley was selected by his fellow mayors to co-chair the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Homeland Security Task Force.
• As Governor of Maryland, O’Malley was selected by his fellow governors to co-chair the National Governors Association’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.
• The Obama Administration selected Governor O’Malley to serve as a key external adviser on the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC). As an HSAC member, Governor O’Malley was selected to chair Task Forces on Violent Extremism and Community Resilience.
• Governor O’Malley has been a national advocate for homeland security support and resources, delivering addressees on homeland security at the Democratic Leadership Council, National Press Club, Democratic National Convention, and the Center for National Policy, among others, and testifying before the U.S. Congress.
• Governor O’Malley has worked as an author and partner with renowned homeland security experts such as Richard Clarke, Gary Hart, and Stephen Flynn.
Adopting An “All Crimes And All Hazards” Approach To Homeland Security
As Governor, O’Malley adopted an “all crimes and all hazards” approach to develop core capacities for a wide variety of law enforcement and homeland security applications. The technology he deployed to identify license plates, for example, was capable of tracking down terrorist suspects and seniors with Alzheimer’s. Governor O’Malley also deployed inter-operable radio communications for first responders statewide, for use during hurricanes and possible terrorist attacks.
A Record Of Real Results:
• USA Today: Security experts held up Baltimore as “a model of preparedness.”
• Maryland earned a top ranking from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for states best prepared to respond to an emergency.
• The Port of Baltimore received an “excellent” security assessment from the Coast Guard for six consecutive years.
• Maryland earned a perfect 100 from the Center for Disease Control And Prevention’s annual review of public health emergency preparedness, up from a score of 67 in 2008. [Link]
Challenging the Federal Government to Fulfill Its Homeland Security Obligations
The federal government’s mandate is to “provide for the common defense.” As Co-Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Homeland Security Task Force, O’Malley pressed federal officials to fully fund that mandate in order to keep America safe. He represented the mayors of all American cities in a speech at the National Press Club, he pointed out that each level of government had its own role to play in securing the homeland. While the Bush Administration cut block grants for homeland security, Mayor O’Malley stood up and challenged the federal government to fulfill its mandate for the common defense.
Developing the Nation’s Cyber Security
This year, the United States was the victim of the worst cyber attacks in our history. A new agenda is urgently needed to improve our nation’s cybersecurity. Since the data cyberattackers target does not reside completely in the public or private sector, this new threat will require a collaborative and networked approach. Investing more resources in cybersecurity is an economic and national security priority. Our servers, information networks, and personal devices now exist on digital battlefields, with real-world consequences. The federal government should support coordinated efforts with financial and technical assistance to help states fulfill their commitments to strengthen cybersecurity.
Read Governor O’Malley’s op-ed on Cybersecurity.
Developing 12 Core Homeland Security Goals For Maryland
welve “core capacities” make up the foundation of Maryland’s homeland security infrastructure. They are critical for effectively responding to large-scale natural or manmade emergencies, and also have “dual use, daily use” value. These goals originated under then-Mayor O’Malley in 2002, and were broadened in 2007 to reflect statewide priorities. The goals were expanded further during O’Malley’s tenure as Governor to incorporate new technologies, including cybersecurity and license plate readers. The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security applied performance-based “Homeland Security Stat” metrics to each of the 12 goals and discussed the data at monthly meetings to ensure progress.
Goal 1: Interoperable Communications >>>
https://martinomalley.com/policy/keeping-america-safe/