Director Chapman Returns from
National Homeland Security Conference
JEFFERSON CITY, August 24, 2005—Missouri’s
Homeland Security Director, Michael Chapman, and State Emergency Management
Agency Director, Ron Reynolds, joined the nation’s top homeland
security officials on Monday and Tuesday at a Homeland Security conference
in Washington, D.C. The secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security, Michael Chertoff, presided over two-day affair.
Secretary Chertoff convened the conference to discuss
results of the Department’s “Second Stage Review”
and pending reorganization and to consult with state homeland security
and emergency management officials on how the Department could improve
federal-state collaboration and coordination.
“This meeting provided state officials with an
unprecedented opportunity to discuss homeland security issues face-to-face
with Secretary Chertoff and his senior staff. Moreover, it was a great
experience to exchange views with other states’ homeland security
directors and emergency management officials,” Chapman said.
“It was a learning environment where we could share our thoughts,
concerns, and ideas on how we can better protect the United States
through a strong federal and state partnership.”
Monday’s breakout sessions featured presentations
and discussion concerning coordination between state, territorial,
tribal, and local entities, as well as regionalization, and state
intelligence fusion centers. Tuesday’s activities included presentations
about federal and state coordination with the private sector, especially
concerning the relay of intelligence information concerning critical
infrastructure, and Jihadist recruitment in state prisons and local
jails.
For more information regarding the Homeland Security
Conference, please contact Terri Durdaller at (573) 751-4819.