HomeLand Security?

[JS213]

Quick question, has Homeland Security made your jobs as LEO's harder or easier? Im sure its alot different for the Fed. LEO's here now, but what about at the Municipal, County and State levels.

[JD45]

I don't think it affected us almost in anyway. The only time it does is when the threat level goes up, then we take more security precautions.

[Lfpdlieu302]

i havent seen much of a change where we're at. but i live in the sticks! lol.

[scott715us]

We have started doing more at the airport, but not necessarily at the request of TSA (Homeland Security). Most of the new "priority checks" have been implemented by our Chief/Capts.

There is still alot of confusion about who is supposed to be doing what. TSA has taken over a lot of responsibility that used to be on the hands of the FAA at the airports. When federal criminal charges are to be applied, FBI is contacted, but TSA at our airport now has a LEO (agent). We let them sort it out. ;)

Most of any charges by TSA so far have been civil penalties. I can say they're pretty stiff. If you "accidentally" bring your firearm through the checkpoint, you're looking at minimum $3k civil penalty. We apply state charges, but the fines from those folks is what really stings. Hell, even failing to declare a weapon when checkin it under the aircraft can hit heavy on your pockets.

Overall, as stated from other threads, I have been pretty satisfied with them. I'm just glad to know the federal agencies have been told to work more together. It's amazing how much intelligence each agency had and failed to communicate with each other.

[lindat2957]

We haven't seen much change either.

[JS213]

what about as far as grants for training and equipment. Being a FF I know that Depts. all over the country are hitting up Homeland Security for grants. Is there any improvements being made in the Law Enforcement world for the better with grants?

[mcsap]

Little to no change. I made a second clipboard for home security roll call info because we were getting so MUCH of it and it became a nuisance to try to keep up with it.

[slim202cop]

Any trucks rolling through my patrol area is subject to a search if it gets pulled over. Before, they had to commit a traffic violation or any other DCMR violation.

Now we can just light 'em up, pulled 'em over and search it from bumper to bumper.

[marchaa]

The only thing that irks me is the fact that all the Cops Fast Grants $$ went to homeland security. So we are getting alot of equipment, but it is hard to get more manpower.

[scott715us]

The crappy thing about Homeland security money is the way its distributed. I believe EMA in our county gets it first and then is supposed to distribute it how they see fit. Alot of politics can come into play on this one. Especially since we have Metro Nashville Police, OEM, Metro Nashville Fire, and about five other agencies in the county. OF course the big dogs will probably see a majority of it so it is probably better for us to apply for a grant ourselves. But I have messed with fundraising before and applying for a federal grant is a freakin job and a half. ;)