Duty of a local government in protecting its citizens
The local government designs and implements homeland security agencies and functions by appointing advisors to work in liaison with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Therefore, states focus on bringing all agencies to table and having an open dialogue that helps in reaching a consensus on the implementation of terrorism policies to meet the everyday demands of homeland security. Additionally, the state governments organize public resources within their jurisdiction and establish plans to allocate federal grant dollars through law enforcement agencies, the military, fire, and emergency management department (Davies, et al., 2005). Further, the states promote public safety and protect critical infrastructure to combat gang violence, drug activities, and burglaries (Davies, et al., 2005). Therefore, these efforts help the local governments to address issues regarding terrorism; hence, protecting American citizens.
How the duty to protect is balanced against other duties of government
The American government balances the duty to protect with that of providing civil liberty and natural rights to all Americans through the Bill of Rights. As one of the Founding Principles states, the government exists to protect faith and freedom, a political dogma that guarantees citizens of free exercise of their powers. Therefore, the Bill of Rights remains the firewall that protects citizens from any probable intrusions on liberty and ultimately respects the constitutional checks. For instance, the federal government achieves this through the First Amendment that provides the right to free speech and to assemble. Consequently, the Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures (Stimson & Grossman, 2011). Resultantly, through the aforesaid rights and freedoms, the state and federal governments achieve their objectives of protecting the American citizens universally.
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Options available to meet the requirements of public safety, given the increased demands on scarce resources
Given the limited resources available, the US should adopt an all-hazards approach to emergency planning processes. This will incorporate communities in identifying potential terror attacks, technological accidents related to nuclear power plants and chemical toxins as well as deliberate incidents that may cause havoc to citizens. Again, promoting multiorganizational participation will encourage coordination and mechanisms that commit all response organizations and public safety agencies to respond to and prevent terrorism. Therefore, the two options are cost-effective and will eliminate possible financial constraints regarding resource allocation.
References
Davies, H. J., et al. (2005). Protecting Your Community from Terrorism: The Strategies for Local Law Enforcement Series. VOL. 5: Partnerships to Promote Homeland Security . Washington, DC: Police Executive Research Forum. Retrieved May 21, 2019, from https://www.policeforum.org/assets/docs/Free_Online_Documents/Terrorism/community%20policing%20and%20terrorism%20vol.%205%202004.pdf
Stimson, C. & Grossman, A. (2011). Understanding America: How Must America Balance Security and Liberty? Washington, DC: The Heritage Foundation. Retrieved May 21, 2019, from http://thf_media.s3.amazonaws.com/2011/pdf/UA13_SecurityandLiberty.pdf
