If you watched the Sunday morning “Inside the Beltway” television programs this week, no doubt you heard some discussion of potential successors to Secretary Janet Napolitano, who is leaving the Department of Homeland Security to head up the California University system.
His picks included retired Coast Guard commandant Thad Allen; New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly; and William Bratton, who has led police departments in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Two of the three come from a local law enforcement and homeland security background, which could be an asset as federal mandates and decreasing funding to key FEMA state and municipal government funding programs are further squeezing local agencies.
These are some good choices and we will no doubt hear many more. My vote is for a veteran of local law enforcement who has the on the ground knowledge that effective DHS leadership requires.
His picks included retired Coast Guard commandant Thad Allen; New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly; and William Bratton, who has led police departments in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. Two of the three come from a local law enforcement and homeland security background, which could be an asset as federal mandates and decreasing funding to key FEMA state and municipal government funding programs are further squeezing local agencies.
These are some good choices and we will no doubt hear many more. My vote is for a veteran of local law enforcement who has the on the ground knowledge that effective DHS leadership requires.
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