2017-2020 California Homeland Security Strategy Executive Summary
The purpose of the 2017-2020 California Homeland Security Strategy (herein referred to as Strategy) is threefold; (1) to set forth the state’s homeland security priorities, (2) establish performance metrics to measure implementation of the Strategy, and (3) to align and integrate these priorities with statewide funding and evaluation mechanisms. This Strategy outlines measurable actions to enhance capabilities that will guide the state’s efforts to achieve the following goals:
- Enhance Information Collection, Analysis, and Sharing, in Support of Public Safety Operations Across California
- Protect Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources From All Threats and Hazards
- Strengthen Security and Preparedness Across Cyberspace
- Strengthen Communications Capabilities Through Planning, Governance, Technology, and Equipment
- Enhance Community Preparedness
- Enhance Multi-Jurisdictional / Inter-Jurisdictional All-Hazards Incident Catastrophic Planning, Response, and Recovery Capabilities
- Improve Medical and Health Capabilities
- Enhance Incident Recovery Capabilities
- Strengthen Food and Agriculture Preparedness
- Prevent Violent Extremism Through Multi-Jurisdictional / Inter-Jurisdictional Collaboration and Coordination
- Enhance Homeland Security Exercise, Evaluation, and Training Programs
- Protect Against Effects of Climate Change
As the third largest state in the nation, and with iconic critical infrastructure, California is at risk from a myriad of threats and hazards including acts of terrorism, technological hazards, and natural disasters. The goals and objectives of this Strategy focus on enhancing capabilities to reduce and mitigate risk by taking a capabilities-based approach in prioritizing homeland security efforts. This will enable California to better prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from all threats and hazards the State faces.
This Strategy builds on federal, state, and local homeland security strategies, plans, and frameworks, and seeks to ensure an integrated approach to building capabilities across the state. Homeland security is inherently a multi-jurisdictional /inter-jurisdictional effort. This Strategy will guide California in achieving its homeland security vision to enhance safety and preparedness in California through strong leadership, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships with state, local, and federal stakeholders.
Implementation and evaluation of the Strategy will occur through a series of working groups assigned to each goal and associated objectives. These working groups will monitor and track progress on the steps taken within the state to achieve the goals and objectives, and report to policymakers the status of implementation.
The mission to secure and prepare California, its people, and critical infrastructure from all threats and hazards is an ongoing effort that requires constant focus and attention. The current California Homeland Security Strategy is the latest iteration of the state’s commitment to this vital mission.
There are five sections to the California Homeland Security Strategy: Purpose and Principles, Focus and Mission, California Homeland Security Environment, Goals and Objectives, and Implementation and Evaluation.
Section I: Purpose and Principles
Section One identifies the purpose, vision, core values, and guiding principles of the Strategy. It also describes the relationship of the Strategy to other plans and frameworks within the state and at the federal level.
Section II: Focus and Mission
Section Two establishes the focus and integration of the Strategy with the five mission areas and the 32 Core Capabilities outlined in the National Preparedness Goal (NPG). This section also provides a risk overview and details the threats and hazards the Strategy aims to address.
Section III: California Homeland Security Environment
Section Three describes the homeland security environment of the state, the organizational structure of homeland security, as well as the coordination resources available for incident planning, response, and recovery across the state.
Section IV: Goals and Objectives
Section Four outlines the goals and objectives of the Strategy. The Strategy’s goals outline California’s homeland security priorities, while objectives establish performance metrics to facilitate evaluation and implementation of the identified goals. Objectives are categorized under the Core Capabilities to ensure integration with Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funding, FEMA’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), and the State Preparedness Report (SPR) framework.
Section V: Strategy Implementation and Evaluation
Section Five outlines the plan for Strategy implementation and evaluation. The section also covers how the Strategy aligns with existing funding and risk assessment mechanisms.