Homeland Security Council Hoping to Improve on Earlier Anti-Terrorism Efforts

Missouri’s first Homeland Security office was set up by the Holden Administration, following the events of September 11th, 2001. Now, the Blunt Administration is trying to improve on earlier efforts with a Homeland Security Advisory Council that will develop its own ideas for tackling terrorism. It’s held its first meeting in Jefferson City. Public Safety Director Mark James, who chairs the Advisory Council, says a lot of what is already in place is still of value. James notes, however, that what worked yesterday or last year might not be the best course of action for today or tomorrow. He says that while police and other first responders must continue to concentrate on reacting to violence, the Council must come up with ideas to prevent the violence from happening. -sw-