The DHS Handbook

this handbook outlines the foundational legal framework, core policies, and chain of command that govern the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Every member, regardless of rank or division, is expected to be familiar with these guidelines to ensure proper conduct and effective collaboration.

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1. Foundational Legal Framework & Policies

1.1. Mission and Authority

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is tasked with safeguarding the nation from domestic and international threats. Its authority derives from federal legislation, granting DHS the power to:

• Enforce federal laws related to immigration, customs, and border security.

• Coordinate counterterrorism operations.

• Protect critical infrastructure and cyberspace.

• Respond to disasters and national emergencies.

1.2. Core Policies

1. Public Safety & Security

   • Prioritize the safety of citizens and uphold the rule of law.

   • Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies when necessary.

2. Professional Conduct

   • Maintain professionalism and integrity at all times.

   • Follow a strict code of ethics and remain respectful during operations.

3. Use of Force

   • Employ the minimum necessary force required to resolve threats.

   • Emphasize non-lethal methods (e.g., tasers) where possible.

4. Data Privacy & Confidentiality

   • Handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.

   • Share intelligence only with authorized personnel, adhering to need-to-know protocols.

5. Chain of Command Compliance

   • All directives and orders must flow through the appropriate ranks.

   • Uphold respect for superiors and support subordinates responsibly.

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2. Chain of Command & Hierarchy

The DHS leadership structure ensures clear lines of authority and accountability. Each division operates under its own command chain while remaining accountable to the DHS central leadership.

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2.1. DHS Leadership

1. Secretary of Homeland Security 🛡®🛡️

   • The highest authority within DHS.

   • Oversees all divisions, sets strategic goals, and ensures mission success.

2. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security ⭐⭐

   • Second-in-command, assisting the Secretary with day-to-day operations.

   • Assumes leadership during the Secretary’s absence.

3. Undersecretary of Homeland Security 🏛®🏛️

   • Supervises multiple DHS divisions.

   • Provides policy direction and ensures inter-agency coordination.

4. Chief of Staff 📜📜

   • Manages staff operations and administrative functions.

   • Acts as a key advisor to the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.

5. Executive Assistant ✏®✏️

   • Supports top leadership with scheduling, communications, and administrative tasks.

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2.2. Federal Protective Service (FPS)

1. Director of FPS 🛡®🛡️

   • Leads the FPS, responsible for securing federal facilities and property.

2. Deputy Director of FPS ⭐⭐

   • Supports the Director, oversees major FPS initiatives.

3. Assistant Director of FPS 📜📜

   • Assists in operational planning and handles administrative duties.

4. Regional Commander 🏙®🏙️

   • Manages FPS operations in a specific region.

5. District Commander 🏘®🏘️

   • Oversees multiple field offices within a district.

6. Senior FPS Agent 🔑🔑

   • Experienced officer responsible for guiding junior agents.

7. FPS Agent 🚨🚨

   • Frontline officer tasked with day-to-day protective services.

8. Trainee FPS Agent 🎓🎓

   • New recruit undergoing training under supervision.

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2.3. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

1. Director of ICE 🛡®🛡️

   • Oversees immigration enforcement, detention, and removal operations.

2. Deputy Director of ICE ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Director, ensuring operational efficiency.

3. Assistant Director of ICE 📜📜

   • Oversees specific ICE programs, handling administrative tasks.

4. Senior Special Agent ⚖®⚖️

   • Experienced lead agent conducting advanced investigations.

5. Special Agent 📂📂

   • Main investigative role within ICE.

6. Trainee Agent 🎓🎓

   • New ICE recruit in training.

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2.4. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

1. Commissioner of CBP 🛡®🛡️

   • Leads CBP’s enforcement of customs, border, and immigration regulations.

2. Deputy Commissioner of CBP ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Commissioner in strategy and operations.

3. Assistant Commissioner 📜📜

   • Manages policy implementation and administrative programs.

4. Chief Patrol Agent 🌐🌐

   • Oversees the Border Patrol’s frontline operations.

5. Senior Patrol Agent 🚧🚧

   • Provides leadership and training to junior border agents.

6. Border Patrol Agent 🛂🛂

   • Conducts routine border enforcement patrols.

7. Trainee Border Patrol Agent 🎓🎓

   • Entry-level recruit learning CBP protocols.

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2.5. Secret Service (SS)

1. Director of Secret Service 🛡®🛡️

   • Heads the agency responsible for protecting national leaders and visiting dignitaries.

2. Deputy Director of Secret Service ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Director in strategic planning and daily operations.

3. Assistant Director of Secret Service 📜📜

   • Oversees specialized units and administrative functions.

4. Special Operations Commander 🎯🎯

   • Commands high-risk protective missions and special ops teams.

5. Special Agent in Charge 🕴®🕴️

   • Leads field offices or protective details.

6. Special Agent 🕵®🕵️

   • Handles investigative and protective tasks.

7. Trainee Agent 🎓🎓

   • New recruit in the Secret Service training pipeline.

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2.6. Office of Intelligence and Analysis (OIA)

1. Director of Intelligence 🛡®🛡️

   • Oversees the collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence.

2. Deputy Director of Intelligence ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Director in managing intelligence operations.

3. Senior Analyst 🧠🧠

   • Conducts high-level analysis and mentors junior analysts.

4. Intelligence Officer 🕶®🕶️

   • Engaged in field intelligence gathering and undercover ops.

5. Junior Analyst 📊📊

   • Supports senior staff with research and data analysis.

6. Trainee Analyst 🎓🎓

   • Entry-level recruit learning intelligence procedures.

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2.7. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

1. Director of CISA 🛡®🛡️

   • Leads efforts to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure and cyberspace.

2. Deputy Director of CISA ⭐⭐

   • Assists in strategic cybersecurity planning and daily management.

3. Cybersecurity Operations Lead 💻💻

   • Oversees teams handling cyber threats and incidents.

4. Infrastructure Protection Lead 🏗®🏗️

   • Focuses on physical security and resilience of key infrastructure.

5. Cybersecurity Specialist 🔐🔐

   • Works on threat analysis, vulnerability assessments, and system defense.

6. Infrastructure Specialist 🛠®🛠️

   • Handles physical security protocols and emergency readiness.

7. Trainee Specialist 🎓🎓

   • In training to develop cyber or infrastructure security skills.

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2.8. Tactical Response Team (TRT)

1. Commander of TRT 🛡®🛡️

   • Responsible for specialized, high-risk tactical operations.

2. Deputy Commander of TRT ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Commander, coordinates mission planning.

3. Team Leader 🎖®🎖️

   • Manages tactical squads during operations.

4. Team Operator ⚔®⚔️

   • Executes direct action missions (breaching, clearing, etc.).

5. Sniper Specialist 🎯🎯

   • Provides overwatch and precision engagement.

6. Breaching Specialist 💥💥

   • Expert in forced entry and mechanical/electrical breaching.

7. Tactical Trainee 🎓🎓

   • New operator in advanced tactical training.

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2.9. Office of Emergency Management (OEM)

1. Director of Emergency Management 🛡®🛡️

   • Leads disaster response, emergency planning, and recovery efforts.

2. Deputy Director of Emergency Management ⭐⭐

   • Assists in strategic emergency management and coordination.

3. Senior Emergency Coordinator 📟📟

   • Oversees complex emergency situations and liaises with other agencies.

4. Emergency Coordinator 🛎®🛎️

   • Manages on-site coordination during emergency incidents.

5. Emergency Specialist 🏥🏥

   • Provides technical expertise in disaster response and recovery.

6. Trainee Emergency Specialist 🎓🎓

   • Entry-level role learning emergency management protocols.

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2.10. Office of Security Operations (OSO)

1. Chief Security Officer 🛡®🛡️

   • Heads the OSO, overseeing all security operations and personnel.

2. Deputy Chief Security Officer ⭐⭐

   • Assists the Chief in strategy and logistics.

3. Security Operations Lead 🔒🔒

   • Coordinates and supervises security teams on the ground.

4. Security Specialist 🔐🔐

   • Focuses on protective measures, risk assessments, and incident responses.

5. Junior Security Officer 🛡®🛡️

   • Carries out routine security checks and patrols.

6. Trainee Security Officer 🎓🎓

   • New recruit gaining practical experience under supervision.

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2.11. Counterterrorism Division (CTD)

1. Director of Counterterrorism 🛡®🛡️

   • Leads the division in preventing and responding to terror threats.

2. Deputy Director of Counterterrorism ⭐⭐

   • Assists in managing anti-terror operations and strategy.

3. Senior Counterterrorism Officer 🎯🎯

   • Experienced officer leading high-profile investigations or raids.

4. Counterterrorism Officer 🕵®🕵️

   • Conducts anti-terror intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement.

5. Junior Counterterrorism Officer 🔍🔍

   • Assists senior staff with investigations and field assignments.

6. Trainee Officer 🎓🎓

   • New recruit in counterterrorism training.

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3. Concluding Notes

• Unity of Command: All divisions collaborate under the DHS umbrella. Inter-agency cooperation and clear communication are critical to fulfilling the DHS mission.

• Leadership Accountability: Higher ranks bear greater responsibility for decision-making and resource allocation.

• Professional Development: Each division has a trainee or entry-level rank designed to cultivate new talent. Continuous training and adherence to DHS policies ensure operational excellence.

By adhering to this handbook, you not only maintain the integrity and professionalism of DHS but also help protect our nation from diverse threats.