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Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce DevelopmentAnswering the Call In an effort to help the state of North Carolina create a workforce that is highly educated regarding security issues and better able to protect the state and the nation, the North Carolina Central University Department of Criminal Justice has established the Institute for Homeland Security and Workforce Development. The Institute is the only organization of its kind in the entire country. Pillars of the Institute Activity within the Institute will revolve around the three core components of training, research and education. The primary focus of all efforts will be teaching private and public sector employees and NCCU students about terrorism, emergency management and best practices. Ordinary citizens will also benefit from educational outreach programs in cities and towns across the state. Outline here are some specifics. Training to Help Keep Workers at the Ready The Institute will concentrate on programs for private and public organizations that focus on corporate security and public safety (cybersecurity, emergency prepared, etc.). The curriculum and seminar topics will be developed in conjunction with agencies like the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, the Governor’s Crime Commission, the federal Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury and Defense, the Central Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency and private corporations throughout North Carolina and the nation. Educating the Next Wave of Superheroes and Super Citizens NCCU Students will benefit tremendously from the Institute. Plans for degree programs with concentrations in homeland security, forensic science applications and computer forensics are currently underway. Student will be able to supplement their core classes with Institute programs to help hone the critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills vital to success in the homeland security job market. Another major cornerstone of the Institute revolves around education the general public about homeland security and public safety, through locally based meetings and seminars. Staff will work with federal, state, local, tribal and private/corporate agencies concerned with homeland security detection and countermeasures and emergency management. The support of local organizations and North Carolina Community Colleges will also be enlisted. Seminar and meeting topics could range from emergency preparedness during hurricane season to immigration laws.
Conducting Research to Help Now and in the Future In addition to conducting seminars and classes, the Institute will engage in ongoing research to examine and provide intelligence for law enforcement personnel and improve emergency preparedness levels of organizations across the state. Our staff will also aid in the development of new and improved technology to help deter/prevent bio-terrorist, nuclear, radiological or chemical attacks. To accomplish this goal, the Institute will enlist the resources and brainpower of our NCCU colleagues in the departments of criminal justice, biology, chemistry, physics and more.
Ready for Action At NCCU, we are proud to say we are working every day to help keep our state and country safer, better prepared and on the cutting edge of homeland security education and research. If you would like to be a part of this exciting initiative, contact the Director of the Institute at 919.530.5206.
News & EventsIn February of 2008, the Institute will host a colloquium concerning minority issues in homeland security. The colloquium is entitled Opportunities For Engaging Minority Communities In Securing Our Nation. For more information and to register, click here. The colloquium is sponsored by the Army War College: Strategic Studies Institute.
Staff Professor Chris Herring, Director Isaac Miller, Graduate Assistant Natalie Stainback, Graduate Assistant
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