Introduction to the New Homeland Security Division
The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced the creation of a new Homeland Security Division, which will combine the department’s existing Office of Homeland Security with its Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division. This new office will oversee border security operations and statewide intelligence efforts, as well as supervise infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness, according to a news release.
The creation of this new division is a result of state lawmakers paving the way during the Legislature’s last regular session. The new division will play a crucial role in protecting Texans from hostile foreign adversaries and terrorists, and will work to create greater safety in communities across the state.
Background and Purpose
The Texas lawmakers authorized the creation of the new branch after approving Senate Bill 36 during its last Legislature session. This bill was a decisive step to strengthen the defense of Texas against evolving threats, and it establishes the unified Homeland Security Division with permanent border security and infrastructure protection capabilities.
The main purpose of this new division is to protect Texans from hostile foreign nations and terrorists, and to create greater safety in communities across the state. As Gov. Greg Abbott said, “Our No. 1 priority is to protect Texans — especially against hostile foreign adversaries like China, Iran, and Russia. Texas will always defend our state from hostile foreign nations and terrorists to create greater safety in our communities.”
Leadership and Structure
Gerald Brown has been named to lead the new Homeland Security Division. Brown has worked at the Department of Public Safety for nearly 30 years and most recently served as regional director for its Southeast Texas region, where he was in charge of criminal investigative operations.
Brown will be working alongside Assistant Chiefs Amy Hauck and Mike George to make Texas a safer place for all. Mike George has been appointed as assistant chief to help lead Homeland Security Operations, and Amy Hauck will remain as assistant chief of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division.
The strength of any organization lies in the quality of its people, and the Department of Public Safety is incredibly fortunate to have some of the most experienced and respected leaders in the field guiding this division forward.
Key Responsibilities and Initiatives
The new Homeland Security Division will have several key responsibilities, including overseeing border security operations, statewide intelligence efforts, infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness. The division will also play a significant role in law enforcement planning as it relates to border security, counter-gang initiatives, and terrorism response operations.
As Brown said, “Texas is facing the most significant homeland security threats of our lifetime, so it is more important than ever that we have a unified, cohesive strategy to mitigate those threats and protect Texans.” The division will work to establish this unified strategy and to make Texas a safer place for all.
Conclusion
The creation of the new Homeland Security Division is an important step in protecting Texans from hostile foreign adversaries and terrorists. With its experienced leadership team and key responsibilities, the division will play a crucial role in creating greater safety in communities across the state. As the division moves forward, it will be important to continue to monitor and address the evolving threats facing Texas, and to work to establish a unified, cohesive strategy to mitigate those threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the new Homeland Security Division?
A: The purpose of the new division is to protect Texans from hostile foreign nations and terrorists, and to create greater safety in communities across the state.
Q: Who will lead the new division?
A: Gerald Brown will lead the new Homeland Security Division, and will be working alongside Assistant Chiefs Amy Hauck and Mike George.
Q: What are the key responsibilities of the new division?
A: The key responsibilities of the new division include overseeing border security operations, statewide intelligence efforts, infrastructure protection, and emergency preparedness.
Q: How will the new division address the evolving threats facing Texas?
A: The division will work to establish a unified, cohesive strategy to mitigate the threats facing Texas, and will continue to monitor and address the evolving threats as they arise.
