Homeland security is accomplished in Nashua through coalition building between local neighborhoods and law enforcement agencies at all levels of government. Over time this has proven to be the most effective way at keeping local organized crime levels down while giving community members and law enforcement a high degree of satisfaction. There are 41 organizations working on counterterrorism and homeland security in New Hampshire, many of which conduct regular homeland security training with agencies such as the Nashua Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.
Homeland Security in Nashua: Looking Towards the Future
An unfortunate problem that plagues Nashua as well as homeland security officials in the city is drugs. That is why local police officers all the way up to federal agents work daily to rid the streets of this community vice, conducting investigations that not only bag the small time drug dealers but also the leaders of organized trafficking gangs.
In a recent effort to prevent drug dealers from infiltrating area schools, homeland security officials culminated a six-month investigation with the arrest of six perpetrators on drug charges, four of whom were also charged with dealing in a school zone. During another recent operation police arrested five others in a week’s span on charges including selling drugs in a school zone. In both operations officials confiscated crack, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and ecstasy. Dedicated public servants working in homeland security jobs in Nashua not only go after hardened terrorists but also those who target the city’s future.
Planning for Careers in Homeland Security
Dedicated individuals who want to make a positive difference are encouraged to research and apply for available homeland security jobs in Nashua. As a basic starting point, candidates should be able to meet the following:
- Be able to pass a background investigation and gain security clearance
- Have no felony convictions
- Be able to work well in team environments
- Have U.S. citizenship
- Have a valid New Hampshire driver’s license
Getting qualified for many positions begins with a certification. There are several online programs available to Nashua residents through the New Hampshire Department of Homeland Security to gain anything from a one-course certification such as the Fundamentals of Homeland Security or Disaster Management to a two-year graduate certification program. Each homeland security position will specify its certification prerequisites, which may include courses such as:
- U.S. Law and Homeland Security
- Homeland Security Policies, Strategies, and Operations
- Weapons of Mass Destruction
Candidates may also wish to pursue either Associate or Bachelor Degrees in Homeland Security, available online and at locations near Nashua. The associate’s degree will take students through the history of the department and provide a solid foundation in homeland security philosophy and practice. The bachelor’s degree program allows students to focus on a particular specialization in the homeland security field, such as:
- National Threat Analysis
- Crisis Response Coordinator
- Anti-Sabotage
- Chaplaincy