DHS increases efforts to protect “soft targets” from attacks

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is increasing efforts toward securing “soft targets” from attacks, including places like music festivals, houses of worship or shopping centers, where there is often minimal security.

DHS has released a new report called the DHS Soft Target and Crowded Places Security Plan Overview, which describes how it is working to enhance its efforts to secure soft targets and crowded places across the country.

The department addresses security and preparedness around soft targets in several ways. It directs security operations and support, facilitates awareness, shares information and intelligence, builds partner capability and capacity, and conducts research and development.

The plan outlines several new initiatives, including incentivizing investments in soft target and crowded places security. DHS will also enhance a culture of awareness through a major education and awareness campaign. It will also engage with key international partners to share best practices and lessons learned and increase awareness of and access to resources.

Additionally, DHS’s National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) has developed the Security of Soft Targets and Crowded Places Resource Security Guide. This is a catalog of soft target resources.

All levels of government, as well as the private sector and even individual citizens, play important roles in protecting communities and preventing attacks, DHS officials said.