InfoGram

March 10, 2005

NOTE: This InfoGram will be distributed weekly to provide members of the Emergency Services Sector with information concerning the protection of their critical infrastructures. For further information, contact the Emergency Management and Response - Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EMR-ISAC) at (301) 447-1325 or by email at emr-isac@fema.dhs.gov.

CIP Capability Essentials

The EMR-ISAC has written that an objective of critical infrastructure protection (CIP) is the protection of internal and local infrastructures upon which survivability, continuity of operations, and mission success actually depend. Very generally, the "critical" infrastructures requiring protection by communities and their emergency response departments are the people, physical assets, and communication/cyber systems indispensably necessary to perform assigned duties.

Emergency managers and first responder chief officers frequently contact the EMR-ISAC to request suggestions on how to practice CIP with severely limited budgets and resources. The answer always given is to continue improving organizational capabilities in those many cases where time-efficient and cost-restrained proactive protective measures are not possible. To elaborate for those with the same concerns, continued enhancement of the following capability essentials when combined will provide a positive, although secondary effect, with regards to CIP:

• Personnel who meet or exceed relevant qualification and certification standards.
• Realistic training to guarantee the successful performance of all duties.
• Current policies, plans, and procedures for missions in "all-hazards" environments.
• Organizational structure and leadership supporting all missions at all times.
• Equipment, apparatus, and supplies to sustain short and long-term operations.
• Exercises to practice skills and ensure interoperability under all circumstances.

Gang Violence

Understandably, much attention is given to the ongoing threat of domestic and transnational terrorism. Nevertheless, the large criminal element of American society is a dangerous threat to the daily operations and safety of first responders. Nationwide experiences dictate that Emergency Services Sector (ESS) personnel must be prepared to defend themselves from possible aggression by those they are trying to protect or rescue in addition to perpetrators.

Another unfortunate reality is the enduring growth of gang violence in the United States. For example, the activities of the brutal MS-13 street gang appear to be spreading throughout the country. Police sources indicate "MS-13 is one of the most violent gangs that commit violence just for the sake of being violent." A few months ago the FBI estimated there are over 2,000 members of MS-13, "a gang also known as 'Mara Salvatrucha' that consists primarily of natives of El Salvador."

First responders are cautioned to exercise special care when responding to incidents involving the MS-13, but also another very violent gang called the "Crips." Based on documented analysis, Crip members often return to an incident scene in larger numbers and with weapons. The Crips, particularly, have a history of assaults on emergency responders. Therefore, the EMR-ISAC advises emergency personnel to consult a nearby gang deterrence unit or specialist if they suspect the presence of gangs in their community.

Emergency Backup Communications

The EMR-ISAC was reminded that the great majority of ham radio operators can maintain contact with the world during a disaster. Most of these individuals even have radios equipped with batteries to sustain communications during disruptions in electrical power. This capability encouraged the creation of the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), "an organization of amateur radio enthusiasts dedicated to providing backup communication services during any emergency or disaster."

Specifically, ARES is a volunteer radio communications service available at no-cost to federal, state, county, and local/tribal governments and non-profit organizations. It consists of more than 35,000 amateurs nationwide who are licensed by the Federal Communications Commission and registered to provide dependable primary and secondary communication links when needed.

A representative of ARES stated: "First response communication systems can become overwhelmed during a catastrophe and, therefore, require additional options." The ARES official explained that the organization's primary role is to provide another option, which is "reliable communications for emergency managers and responders in the event their organic communications fail." More information about this service can be obtained from their website at: http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares2.pdf.

Food Security Awareness Training

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services joined forces to offer a food security awareness training program. The training targets primarily individuals who play a lead role in defending the American food infrastructure and supply from terrorism. However, individuals who directly respond to a food emergency caused by an intentional attack are also encouraged to participate. This invitation includes all members of the emergency medical services, public health community, law enforcement, and homeland security personnel.

The training is available free of charge through a Food and Drug Administration online course at: http://www.fda.gov/ora/training/orau/FoodSecurity/default.htm. Contact Hour Certificates will be provided to any participant who successfully completes the course. For more information contact Mr. Sebastian Cianci at (301) 436-2291.