need help with assignment. Must equal up to 1200 words also include intext citation and 3 reference sources.

1. After reading the assigned text and using the internet research the Homeland Security Bill enacted in 2003 as a result of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S. Give a brief narrative and overview of the bill and the duties and responsibilities of the four divisions the bill created within the Homeland Security Department.

2. The domestic preparedness cycle includes prevention, protection, response and recovery. How does the Homeland Security Bill meet these four categories?

3. Is the United States in a better position since the passage of the Homeland Security Bill for a catastrophic event that before its passage. Why or why not?

4. If you were the president in 2003, would you have vetoed or supported the bill and what changes would do think should be made in order to strengthen the bill?

 Reply to Rachel post at least 75 words. listed below.

The Department of Defense 1033 programs is a great program for law enforcement but it must not be abused. Over the last 20-30 years, law enforcement has seen an increase in violent crime, terrorist attacks, and mass shootings. It is known that the police and military are two separate entities and should be treated as so. But that does not mean that the equipment used for one agency can not be used for another. The Defense 1033 program was passed in 1997 (Fowler, 2017), this program allows law enforcement agencies to purchase surplus military equipment that is no longer needed for military assignment. Since this program has been in place, some agencies have abused the program. For example, Winthrop Harbor Police Department in Illinois which has a population of 6,700 people, have received the following equipment from the 1033 program: ten helicopters, armored vehicles, two humvees and other equipment (Fowler, 2017). The data shows that Winthrop Harbor Police Department has had one homicide during the years of 2002-2016 (Crime rate in Winthrop Harbor, n.d.). To me, this is a low murder rate and does not justify the equipment received .

Law enforcement executives have the job of protecting the community. Law enforcement has become more militaristic over the years due to violent crime. Law enforcement agencies use to carry revolvers and shotguns; now they carry semi automatic pistols and rifles. The criminal element has changed over the years and so has law enforcement. If I were a law enforcement executive, I would take advantage of the 1033 program. We need to equip our officers with the best equipment we can and there are many communities that can not afford the equipment needed to support their officers. If the 1033 program is not abused, it will give law enforcement officers and the communities tools that are needed to protect the community. Whether we want to admit it or not; law enforcement is becoming more militaristic.

Law enforcement agencies at both the state and local levels qualify to receive equipment with little and sometimes no cost to the agency. This is done through a transfer of ownership from the federal government to that agency. There are a few rules involved in the program. To list a few we'll start with the property requested must be needed and useable by the requesting agency and must not be for personal use. Then the property is offered as is and is transferred with no warranty. The awarded property must be put into use within 12 months, and used for at least 12 months. Also some property with an original acquisition cost of $5,000 or more will have more restricted, as will vehicles, aircraft and vessels (JTIC, n.d.).

If the Department of Defense is liquidating their equipment I have no issues with a law enforcement agency obtaining it within reason. First I believe the department should show a true need for the item they are trying to obtain. A department wanting an item just to sit on it and resell it later I do not agree with. They could be keeping another department from a needed piece of equipment. As far as the little to no cost it is all purchased with taxpayers dollars from the start. The Department of Defense uses federal tax dollars and law enforcement uses local tax dollars. As a chief if my agency needed an item that we could obtain and save local tax dollars yes I would take advantage of the program. There is also the question of if the Department of Defense is not going to use it, and law enforcement does not purchase it, what will happen to it? Will it be destroyed, that would benefit no one. Or would they sell it to another country of private entity? If local law enforcement can benefit from it and put it to good use in their communities I do not see an issue with it.

Answer follow up question listed below no min word count listed below.

In May 2015, former President Obama signed Executive Order 13688 that prohibited the transfer of tracked armored vehicles, grenade launchers, bayonets, and certain camouflage uniforms to state and local law enforcement agencies through the 1033 program.  With support from law enforcement across the country, President Trump has since rescinded this Executive Order allowing this equipment to be available again.  Which Executive Order do you agree with?  Explain your decision.