The National Governor's Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) released the 2007 State Homeland Security Directors Survey on December 18, 2007. The report outlines the Homeland Security priorities for states over the past year and also points out the continuing relationship strain states have with coordinating plans implemented by the federal government. The report provides a good summary of 2007 intents and expectations for next year.

The top five Homeland Security priorities for states in 2007 are the development of interoperable communications, coordinating state and local efforts, protecting critical infrastructure, developing state fusion centers, and strengthening citizen preparedness. These priorities have been a trend for the past several years and will likely be focal points well into the future.

The survey also makes it apparent that states require better communications and relationships with federal government planning. It is evident that states feel homeland security grant programs are not adequately funded and aren't thoroughly planned. They also feel that the Department of Homeland Security does a below satisfactory job coordinating policies. The report highlights a focus from not just the states but also the majority of local Law Enforcement agencies which illustrates the continued struggle for first responders to obtain adequate support and direction from the feds for needed technologies to better protect citizens effectively.

INPUT's Take:

The focus of INPUT's State & Local Homeland Security analysts has been to maintain this federal/state/local communication contrast while bringing to light the consistent priorities and needs of State/Local first responders. As the federal government continues to reward the appropriate efforts of states furthering their interoperability plans, they should also heed the needs of those State Homeland Security advisors who are still struggling. It is important to keep in mind that states which have justified appropriate funding with their plans will set a model for other states to follow. INPUT's analysts have established strong footholds in the Homeland Security marketplace while further focusing on the individual State & Local "grassroots" implementations that maintain high-priority Public Safety securities and technologies. Vendors would be wise to continue the considerations on both sides of these market contrasts as well as Information Technology will continue to play a pivotal role in sustaining safety and security throughout the country.