ABSTRACT
Though police, fire, and emergency medical services have well-defined and highly visible roles, the responsibilities and capabilities of public works agencies are not as well known or understood by the other professions, governing officials, and the general public. Even today, the role of public works officials in emergency management is given little regard as reflected in a review of job descriptions for division and department managers. Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 of 2003 specifically included public works as "emergency responders" though it was later removed in a revised HSPD-8. This lack of professional training and certification keeps public works in low regard by the other disciplines. Though prevention and protection missions are the domain of national intelligence services and law enforcement, public works/transportation personnel, particularly those that work on the roadways and other public infrastructure, are in a position to observe, detect, and report suspicious activity and conditions that may be related to terrorism.
