Alabama Administrative Code Title 375 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 375, is dedicated to the Alabama Department of Homeland Security (ADHS). This department plays a critical role in the state's efforts to prepare for, prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from all hazards, particularly those related to terrorism and other significant threats.
The ADHS was created to ensure that Alabama's infrastructure and resources are adequately protected and to preserve the life, health, welfare, and property of its citizens. Its purpose is to assist, coordinate, and encourage homeland security preparedness by other state departments and agencies, as well as political subdivisions (local governments) within the state.
Here's a breakdown of the typical chapters and key areas you would find within Title 375:
Chapter 375-X-1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS:
Purpose (375-X-1-.01): This foundational rule clearly states the department's mission: to ensure adequate preparations for the common defense of Alabama's infrastructure and resources, and to protect and preserve the life, health, welfare, and property of its citizens. It emphasizes assisting, coordinating, and encouraging homeland security preparedness across various state and local entities.
Legal Authority: References the statutory authority under which the ADHS operates (e.g., Code of Ala. 1975, § 31-9A-5).
Definitions: Provides clear definitions for terms used throughout the administrative code.
Chapter 375-X-2 - DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTANT DIRECTORS: This chapter likely outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of different divisions or assistant directors within the Department of Homeland Security. This could include areas like:
Intelligence and Information Sharing
Preparedness and Prevention
Response and Recovery
Science and Technology
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Public Health Preparedness
Coordination with federal, state, and local agencies
Chapter 375-X-3 - EMPLOYEE WORK RULES: This chapter would cover internal administrative rules pertaining to the employees of the Department of Homeland Security, such as conduct, personnel policies, and other general employment regulations.
Chapter 375-X-4 - DEFINITION, DESIGNATION AND DISCLOSURE OF SENSITIVE SECURITY INFORMATION: This is a particularly important chapter in the context of homeland security. It sets rules for:
Defining Sensitive Security Information (SSI): What constitutes information that, if publicly released, could be detrimental to security.
Designation: How information is officially designated as SSI.
Disclosure Restrictions: Who can access SSI, under what conditions, and how it must be protected from unauthorized disclosure to prevent its misuse by those who might wish to harm the state or nation.
Overall Functions and Role of the Alabama Department of Homeland Security:
As informed by its administrative code and state statutes, the ADHS (which is now often described as part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - ALEA) broadly focuses on:
Terrorism Prevention: Working with federal, state, and local partners to identify, assess, and mitigate terrorist threats.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Coordinating efforts to secure essential assets like power grids, telecommunications, transportation systems, and water supplies.
Intelligence Sharing: Serving as a conduit for federal intelligence related to homeland security and disseminating relevant information to state and local law enforcement and first responders.
Preparedness Coordination: Assisting other agencies and local governments in developing emergency plans, conducting exercises, and enhancing their readiness for various threats and disasters.
Grant Administration: Overseeing the receipt, distribution, and monitoring of federal and state homeland security grants to ensure funds are used effectively for training, equipment, and programs.
Public Awareness: Engaging in public education campaigns (like "If You See Something, Say Something") to encourage vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities.
In essence, Alabama Administrative Code, Title 375, provides the regulatory framework for the Alabama Department of Homeland Security's crucial mission to safeguard the state and its citizens from a wide range of threats, particularly those related to terrorism, by fostering preparedness, coordination, and information sharing across all levels of government and with the private sector.
You can find the full text of Alabama Administrative Code, Title 375, on the official Alabama Legislative Services Agency website (admincode.legislature.state.al.us) or through legal information platforms like Justia Regulations.
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