Homeland Security: What do you know about DHS?

For how many people the Department of Homeland Security affects everyday you’d be surprised how little Americans know about the largest civilian government body in the country.

Action Steps:

• Talk to friends and family members – at least three is a good number. Ask them what they know about DHS. Are they familiar with the work the Department does? Do they know when it was formed or for what purpose?
• Be sure not to lead them on or share information with them about the Department ahead of time. Likewise, don’t ask someone who would know about the Department due to their role in law enforcement or federal government service etc.
• Share what you learn with the class in this discussion. Did any particular response surprise you? Why or why not?
• Share also any recommendations you would make to the Department’s Office of Public Affairs or other government public relations agency. What would you recommend that they change about the public perception of the Department (if anything). What tools could they use to make their job easier (e.g. social media)? What about the limitations (such as classified information) that security agencies deal with – how would you suggest they work around these?
• Then respond to at least one classmate.

Note: This and other field activities count towards your participation grade and are only graded on a pass/no pass basis. Nonetheless, even though I do not assess specific performance, not doing the work will certainly count against you.