This book is a collection of contributions from public safety professionals involved in all phases of emergency management--mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. It outlines the federal, state, and local roles in the important work of homeland security, with a special emphasis on the local level, where emergency response involves not only highly visible police officers and firefighters, but also those responsible for dispatch, public works, public information, utilities, health, and uncounted support activities. The book shows what local governments can do to mitigate disasters through such practices as: assessing local risks; updating building codes to ensure that safety features are incorporated in new construction; and, emphasizing the intelligence gathering activities of police. It explains how to increase preparedness by: assessing and enhancing the capabilities of police, fire, and other departments; training employees; strengthening communication networks and information sharing among agencies; and, establishing emergency operations centers and an incident command system. In the response phase, it shows how training and preparation can pay off and how technological advances can be employed. Finally, perspectives on the recovery phase include first-hand accounts of the human side¿managing stress for public safety employees and dealing with fatalities through counseling and other means. The volume also lists sources of assistance from federal and state agencies at each stage.