RUNNING HEAD: Research and Analysis Paper

CJ355-01 Homeland Security: Research and Analysis Paper
Dion Thompson
Kaplan University

Professor Tina Mainwaring
CJ355-01 Homeland Security
June 11, 2013

Hurricane Katrina was the largest and third strongest hurricane ever to be recorded to make landfall in the United States (dosomething.org). The final death toll of Hurricane Katrina was a staggering 1,836, mainly from the state of Louisiana and 238 people killed in Mississippi (dosomething.org). Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in property damages, but is estimated that the total economic impact in Louisiana and Mississippi may have exceeded $150 billion (dosomething.org). An estimated 80 percent of New Orleans was under water, …show more content…

The remaining officers did not have enough assistance or communication amongst each other to control the problem and it quickly got out of control. In many cases looting took place in the view of police and the National Guard troops (Martin, 2005).
“During the Federal response to Katrina, four critical flaws in our national preparedness became evident: Our processes for unified management of the national response; command and control structures within the Federal government; knowledge of our preparedness plans; and regional planning and coordination” (President George W .Bush, 2007). Steps have been taken since are; the DHS have now lead an interagency review of past policies and procedures to ensure effective integration of all Federal search and rescue assets during disaster response (President George W. Bush, 2007). The Department of Justice in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, have examined Federal responsibilities for support to state and local law enforcement and criminal justice systems during emergencies (President George W. Bush, 2007). They have built operational plans, procedures, and policies to ensure an effective Federal law enforcement response (President George W. Bush, 2007). In coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and other homeland security partners the Department of Health and Human Services have strengthened the Federal government’s capability to provide adequate health and medical support to