National Terrorism Advisory System

National Terrorism Advisory System
Agency name	National Terrorism Advisory System
Formed	April 20, 2011
Preceding1	Homeland Security Advisory System
Jurisdiction	United States
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Chief1 name	Alejandro Mayorkas
Chief1 position	United States Secretary of Homeland Security
Parent department	United States Department of Homeland Security
Website	https://www.dhs.gov/ntas

National Terrorism Advisory System. The National Terrorism Advisory System is the United States' primary mechanism for communicating information about the threat of terrorist attacks to the American public and relevant institutions. Administered by the United States Department of Homeland Security, it replaced the color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System in 2011. The system issues formal, detailed alerts based on specific, credible intelligence to provide timely warnings and recommended protective measures.

Overview

The system is designed to provide a more transparent and specific public warning framework than its predecessor, focusing on articulating the nature of the threat. Alerts are issued by the Secretary of Homeland Security, currently Alejandro Mayorkas, following analysis by intelligence professionals across agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of Intelligence and Analysis. These bulletins are disseminated to federal entities such as the Department of Justice, state partners like the New York Police Department, and private sector stakeholders. The goal is to enable coordinated vigilance and preparedness across the nation, from major urban centers to critical infrastructure sites.

History and development

The system was officially launched on April 20, 2011, by then-Secretary Janet Napolitano, following a review ordered by President Barack Obama. It was developed in response to widespread criticism that the older Homeland Security Advisory System was too vague and politically influenced, as seen during the September 11 attacks aftermath and periods like the 2004 Democratic National Convention. The development involved consultations with experts from the RAND Corporation, state governors, and law enforcement leaders. Its first official alert was issued in September 2011, concerning the tenth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, highlighting threats from groups like Al-Qaeda.

Alert levels and criteria

The system employs two primary alert levels: "Elevated Threat Alert" and "Imminent Threat Alert." An **Elevated Threat Alert** warns of a credible terrorist threat but lacks specific, actionable information on timing or target, often related to broader trends like inspiration from Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant propaganda. An **Imminent Threat Alert** indicates a credible, specific, and impending threat against one or more locations, such as warnings preceding events like the Super Bowl or State of the Union address. The criteria for issuance require corroborated intelligence from sources like the National Counterterrorism Center or findings from allied agencies such as MI5.

Issuance and dissemination process

The process begins with intelligence collection and vetting by agencies including the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. A recommendation is prepared for the Secretary of Homeland Security, who has final authority. Upon approval, alerts are released through official channels like the DHS.gov website and social media platforms. Notifications are simultaneously sent to critical partners via the Homeland Security Information Network and to the public through systems like the Emergency Alert System. State-level agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol, and transportation hubs like Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, are key distribution points.

Public response and guidance

Each alert includes a "What You Should Do" section with tailored guidance, which may range from general vigilance to specific actions like reporting suspicious activity to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During alerts, the public is often advised to monitor local news from outlets like CNN and follow instructions from authorities like the United States Capitol Police. For the private sector, guidance may involve enhancing security protocols at venues such as Yankee Stadium or financial districts in Manhattan. The American Red Cross and local Office of Emergency Management units often amplify these messages.

Criticism and controversies

Critics, including the Government Accountability Office and members of the United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, have argued the system risks causing public fatigue or desensitization due to prolonged or vague alerts. Some incidents, like the alert preceding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, have sparked debate over whether intelligence was effectively acted upon. Privacy advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have expressed concerns that alerts could lead to increased surveillance or profiling of communities. Comparisons are sometimes drawn to alert systems in other nations, such as the United Kingdom's threat levels under MI5.

Category:United States Department of Homeland Security Category:Counterterrorism in the United States Category:Emergency communication systems