I would think that examining the problems associated with Homeland Security would be interesting. In what areas is the organization weak? How did they decided what needed immediate consideration? What areas did they deem secondary? Honestly, how effective are the protocols they have created?
I would love to see some research done on what kind of background check is performed on potential employees that apply to work in Homeland Security positions. I want to know a list of things that are required that they have, as well as things that will hinder their application. I guess my biggest question is, since a military intelligence soldier or officer are given some huge background checks, shouldn't homeland security people go through the same kind of scrutiny? In fact, if you get to do this project I would love to read it.
One of the most immediately pressing issues for Homeland Security is border protection. The border patrol and customs agents are in charge of controlling the people and products that enter the United States. While terror threats are a concern, many would argue that the problems of illegal immigrants and illegal drugs flowing into the country is a far more concerning problem.
Another interesting topic would be the non-conventional attacks that are now taking place in the world. In light of this, you might look at the role of Homeland Security and cyber-warfare. As you can imagine, hacking into companies and the government can create major problems in security on so many levels.
I agree with Post #1. And I would also add that as fast as we come up with new measures to keep ourselves safer, terrorists are going to come up with newer ways to hurt us. We know airplanes and airports are safer now, but what about the ships coming into our ports? You might want to take a look at that part of Homeland Security and examine what's being done there. You could showcase two or three ways security has been upgraded with the different port authorities on our coasts or ways in which our Coast Guard helps protect us. Are their efforts being effective enough? We know illegal drugs get into our country via boats. Could terrorists or their weaponry get through somehow? What safeguards do port officials have to keep weapons of mass destruction out of our country? Are our cruise ships safe at sea?
All these questions and more could be used to create a very good project. Good luck!
Since I was going to suggest airport security until post #4 did so first, I'll add another approach to the topic. Would you be allowed to compare the procedures used for airline passenger screening and security with procedures used by other international airlines? El Al, the national airline of Israel, has practiced passenger screening for many years of a nature and to an extent that the TSA in the United States hasn't come close to approaching. It might be enlightening to examine exactly what they do...
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and how effective their policies have been in detecting and forestalling potential terrorist activities.
I would look at something that affects people on a frequent basis in this country, such as airport security. It would be interesting to address the debate on individual rights vs. airport security procedures. Are the invasive procedures necessary? How often do they prevent an attack?
Homeland Security encompasses a lot these days. There are the "conventional" terror threats, such as hijacked airplanes, public bombings, and so on. But then there are different threats, like cyberattacks and "dirty bombs" that are specific to the twenty-first century. Personally, I think a project that deals with new, modern threats to homeland security, and how the nation is attempting to face them would be very interesting.
This depends so much upon what aspect of the whole topic most interests you. For example, you might want to look at what dangers confront our homeland security system and which of them is most difficult to prepare for. Or you might look at the degree to which our government is set up in a way that allows it to respond well to emergencies. It all depends on what interests you.