March 12, 2003—On March 1, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) assumed operational control of nearly 180,000 employees from incoming agencies and offices. In addition, a series of Presidential Directives and Memoranda of Understanding transferred specific authorities and responsibilities to the department. These include:
- DHS is responsible for coordinating federal operations to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from domestic incidents when the lead federal, state, or local authorities request assistance or when the President directs such action.
- All federal departments and agencies shall participate in and use domestic incident reporting systems and protocols established by DHS.
- DHS will assist state and local governments in developing all-hazards plans and capabilities, including those of greatest importance to the security of the United States homeland, such as the prevention of terrorist attacks.
- The US Attorney General has the lead responsibility for criminal investigations and intelligence operations concerning terrorist attacks and shall also work to ensure that members of the law enforcement community will work with DHS to prevent such attacks.
- DHS oversees the development, implementation, and management of the national Homeland Security Advisory System (color-coded advisory system).
Also, DHS will assume control of the:
- Domestic Emergency Support Teams, which provide support to the Federal On-Scene Commander during an incident involving weapons of mass destruction or a credible threat.
- Nuclear Incident Response Teams, Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability, Radiological Assistance Program, and the Aerial Measuring System, which provide response assets during a radiological incident.
- Strategic National Stockpile, which ensures the availability and rapid deployment of life-saving pharmaceuticals, antidotes, and other medical supplies.
- National Disaster Medical Teams, which establish an integrated national medical response capability for assisting state and local authorities in dealing with the health effects of major disasters.
