***** Homeland Security: Legal and Policy Issues. Joe D. Whitley and Lynne K. Zusman, editors. Published by the American Bar Association, www.abanet.org; [1] 284 pages; $99.95.

This book is an excellent resource on an increasingly important topic: the legal and policy framework of homeland security in the United States. The editors brought together experts and did an admirable job piecing together key elements of this mission into a cogent, concise single volume.

In the book, “homeland security” is both a noun and a verb. The text focuses on the genesis and structure of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). At the same time, the contributors examine how the homeland is actually secured and will be in the future. The editors address broad issues such as legislative initiatives, regulatory bodies, emergency powers, and international trade. Specific topics include the USA PATRIOT and SAFETY acts, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards, data security, immigration enforcement, business continuity, transportation security, and laws relating to foreign trade.

Some topics are more relevant to security professionals than others, and some coauthors’ contributions are more compelling than others.

That said, the book is a valuable resource, in particular for attorneys, policy analysts, and security professionals in critical infrastructure protection missions and those working for multinational corporations. It reflects the growing sophistication of the security industry, balancing the practical with the substantive. It can enhance understanding of complex legal and policy issues that may affect business, and can help readers plan for and respond to the myriad laws and regulations enacted to protect the homeland. It is a worthwhile read for those who are, or seek to become, leaders in the industry.

Reviewer: James F. Pastor, Ph.D., J.D., is president of SecureLaw Ltd., a public safety and security services firm, and is an associate professor of public safety at Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana. He is the author of three books: Terrorism and Public Safety Policing: Implications for the Obama Presidency, Security Law and Methods, and The Privatization of Police in America: An Analysis and Case Study. He is a member of the ASIS International Agriculture and Food Security Council.
 

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