Legal Definitions - Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a part of the United States government that is responsible for keeping the country safe from threats within its borders and territories. It was created in 2002 and started working in 2003. DHS has five main divisions:

• Border and Transportation Security
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Science and Technology
• Information Analysis and Infrastructure
• Management

For example, the Border and Transportation Security division is responsible for making sure that people and goods coming into the country are not a threat to national security. The Emergency Preparedness and Response division helps communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies. The Science and Technology division develops new technologies to help keep the country safe.

DHS is an important part of the government's efforts to protect the country and its citizens from harm.