In Memphis, Tennessee there are a patchwork of county, city, and state agencies which oversee preparedness for technological and terrorist crises. At the city level, the Memphis Office of Emergency Management operates many of the public awareness and training programs that homeland security personnel participate in.
The Shelby County Office of Preparedness oversees homeland security operations at the county level; the Division of Homeland Security of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office oversees tactical and intelligence operations for the county. The Tennessee Office of Homeland Security also provides strategic oversight of homeland security systems in Memphis .
Requirements to Become a Homeland Security Professional in Memphis, Tennessee
Homeland security jobs in Memphis, Tennessee can be found in a wide variety of fields including information security, emergency management, public health, transportation specialists, and criminal justice. The specific requirements and salaries for these jobs are dependent upon the job description, but many have requirements similar to the following:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in one of these areas
- Homeland security studies
- Emergency management
- Terrorism studies
- Information technology
- Network security
- Law enforcement
- U.S. citizenship
- Ability to obtain Security Clearance
- At least two years of experience in the field of homeland security
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with federal, state and local government officials
- Knowledge of common industry homeland security practices
- Knowledge of federal and state homeland security laws, regulations and ordinances
Training for Homeland Security Professionals in Memphis, Tennessee
Prospective homeland security professionals may obtain preparation and training from numerous organizations in the Memphis area. In addition to many highly regarded homeland security degree programs offered by colleges, many of these schools also offer certification programs for working professionals.
The Tennessee Department of Homeland Security (TDHS) collaborates with local and federal partners to design and conduct training exercises for emergency first responders, government officials and private sector partners. The TDHS also offers a wide variety of courses for homeland security professionals.
Memphis Prepares for Major Events
Following the bombings at the Boston Marathon, cities around the country have re-examined their homeland security protocols around major sporting events and large gatherings. Memphis recently tightened their security around the large events, “Memphis in May” and “Africa in April.” Both of these events drew thousands of tourists to the city each year. The city’s police and fire department took lessons from the Boston bombings and used them to heighten awareness and public safety.
In addition to preparing for potential of terrorist attacks, Memphis is also conducting pro-active investigations into domestic activity that could pose a threat to the public. In 2010, Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad was arrested for firing on two soldiers outside of Little Rock. The Memphis native blamed his actions on the ongoing “war on Muslims.” As a self-proclaimed jihadist, Muhammed had converted to Islam in a Memphis mosque and attempted to travel to Somalia for military training. He had also planned to attack Americans in Nashville and Kentucky.