Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

1. What does OHS do?
2. Is terrorism a real threat in California?
3. Where do I call to report suspicious activities?
4. How secure is California?
5. How does OHS work to protect civil liberties?
6. I thought homeland security was a Federal issue. Why is California involved?
7. Where is the training request located?
8. What is a tracking number?
9. Which grants and training require a tracking number?
10. Can tracking numbers be cancelled/changed or substituted?
11. If I lose my tracking number information who can I call or email to get a copy of it?

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1. What does OHS do?

   The Governor's Office of Homeland Security (OHS) acts as the Cabinet-level State office for the prevention of and preparation for a potential terrorist event. OHS serves a diverse set of federal, State, local, private sector and tribal entities by taking an "all-hazards" approach to reducing risk and increasing responder capabilities. Because California is prone to floods, fires, and earthquakes in addition to the potential for an attack using man-made weapons of mass destruction, OHS is committed to contributing to a comprehensive, well-planned all-hazards strategy to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from any possible emergency.

   OHS is responsible for several key State functions including:

   • Analysis and dissemination of threat-related information
   • Protection of California's critical infrastructure
   • Management of the State's homeland security grants
   • Training and exercising of first responders for terrorism events

2. Is terrorism a real threat in California?

   California has long recognized terrorism as a threat to our citizens, government facilities, infrastructure, and economy. Following the 1995 attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, and a growing terrorism threat, California created the California Terrorism Response Plan. It also established the State Strategic Committee on Terrorism and a sub-organization, the State Threat Assessment Committee, to ensure that we were capable of identifying potential terrorist acts and responding to any attacks that might occur.

3. Where do I call to report suspicious activities?

   Please contact your Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Center (RTTAC) to report suspicious behavior.

4. How secure is California?

   California has developed into a national leader in the field of homeland security. Our information sharing systems, critical infrastructure protection programs, training and exercise programs are all held up as model programs and have been incorporated into many federal strategies and standards. This, when coupled with our best in the world mutual aid and incident management system run by OES, makes California one of the most prepared states in the nation.

5. How does OHS work to protect civil liberties?

   OHS is committed to protecting California from terrorist attacks while respecting the rights and liberties of Californians. OHS and the threat assessment centers must comply with all applicable Constitutional provisions and Federal and State laws, regulations and policies regarding the protection of civil rights and civil liberties. Because protecting civil rights and civil iberties is so fundamentally important to our democracy and our office's mission, we established the State Terrorism Threat Assessment Advisory Group (STTAAG) to provide independent advice and counsel on those issues. Protecting Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

6. I thought homeland security was a Federal issue. Why is California involved?

   Federal, State, and local governments are working together to protect Americans by preventing terrorist attacks in our homeland. While the Federal government maintains the primary responsibility for responding to the threat posed by traditional nation-state adversaries, the threat of terrorism requires the involvement of public safety and security organizations at all levels of government. OHS is the primary interface between the United States Department of Homeland Security and all State and local entities in California with homeland security responsibilities.

7. Where is the training request located?

   www.ohs.ca.gov/hseep/traininghome.html

8. What is a tracking number?

   Tracking number validates that training being requested has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security and the Governor's Office of Homeland Security for the use of homeland security grants.

9. Which grants and training require a tracking number?

   State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP), Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP), Citizens Corp Program (CCP)

   All training that requires the use of any of the above grants.

10. Can tracking numbers be cancelled/changed or substituted?

    Tracking numbers can be cancelled if requested but not going to be used.

    Changes to tracking numbers is allowed--for example; increase the number of students/course dates/estimated cost of course.

    You cannot substitute tracking numbers for example; Tracking number 07-9999 has been give to SEMS/NIMS, this tracking number cannot be used for Terrorism Awareness. You must request a new tracking number for the new course.

11. If I lose my tracking number information who can I call or email to get a copy of it?

    Yes, please John Garrett at (916) 322-0892 or john.garrett@ohs.ca.gov