Homeland security : actions needed to improve security practices at national icons and parks : report to the Chairman, Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives.

The September 11 terrorist attacks have heightened concerns about the security of the nation's icons and parks, which millions of people visit every year. The National Park Service (Park Service) within the Department of the Interior (Interior) is responsible for securing nearly 400 park units...

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Bibliographic Details
Corporate Authors:	United States. Government Accountability Office, United States. Congress. House. Committee on Homeland Security
Other Authors:	Goldstein, Mark L.
Format:	Government Document eBook
Language:	English
Published:	[Washington, D.C.] : U.S. Govt. Accountability Office, [2009]
Subjects:	United States. > National Park Service > Rules and practice > Evaluation. National parks and reserves > Security measures > United States. Monuments > Security measures > United States.
Online Access:	https://purl.fdlp.gov/GPO/LPS119124

Description
Summary:	The September 11 terrorist attacks have heightened concerns about the security of the nation's icons and parks, which millions of people visit every year. The National Park Service (Park Service) within the Department of the Interior (Interior) is responsible for securing nearly 400 park units that include icons and other parks. In 2004, GAO identified a set of key protection practices that include: allocating resources using risk management, leveraging technology, information sharing and coordination, performance measurement and testing, and strategic management of human capital. As requested, GAO determined whether the Park Service's security efforts for national icons and parks reflected key practices. To meet this objective, GAO used its key practices as criteria, reviewed five icons and parks to gain firsthand knowledge, analyzed Interior documents, and interviewed Interior officials. GAO is making six recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior. These include instructing the Park Service to develop a more comprehensive risk management approach, guidance and standards for leveraging technology, strategies to improve communications and to clearly define staff roles, and programs related to performance measurement, testing, and training.
Item Description:	Title from cover screen (GAO, viewed Sept. 29, 2009). "August 2009." Includes bibliographical references. "GAO-09-983." Electronic resource.
Physical Description:	1 online resource (ii, 47 pages) : illustrations