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Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF)

The Homeland Security Task Force was formed by CAPCOG to primarily assist staff in planning, coordinating, evaluating, and recommending projects for grants received from the State of Texas. In addition, it assists with the development of the Region’s Homeland Security Strategic Plan, Long-Term Interoperability Plan, training of first responders, and coordination of regional projects.
Policy & Advisory Committees

Purpose

The mission of the CAPCOG Homeland Security Task Force is to facilitate regional homeland security activities among local jurisdictions, including, but not limited to: planning, training, funding, and mutual aid consistent with the State of Texas Emergency Management Plan and to maximize effective and efficient use of resources.

  • To review and comment for the CAPCOG Executive Committee on applications requesting state or federal funds.
  • To advise CAPCOG’s member cities, counties, and special districts, directly or through the CAPCOG Executive Committee, on matters within their jurisdiction pertaining to homeland security and emergency management.
  • To prepare and submit for CAPCOG Executive Committee approval regional plans and procedures for dealing with homeland security and emergency  management issues that require cooperation and coordinated activity by multiple CAPCOG jurisdictions.
  • To conduct training workshops

The task force also plays a vital role in ensuring that the communities and residents are protected and prepared for large scale emergencies. Training for first responders is coordinated by a work group of the task force. Often the actual trainers are members on the task force. HSTF is also responsible for developing or assisting local jurisdictions to establish exercise criteria and participate in the exercises.

Read the CAPCOG Homeland Security Strategic Framework.

Membership and Bylaws

Members for the HSTF are appointed by the CAPCOG Executive Committee and are from emergency management organizations of each county, public safety first responders and public health and medical representation.  The 27 members come from large and small municipal and county public safety agency and other regional organizations and governments to include public health institutions, education institutions and more.

Read the task force’s bylaws.

See who serves on the task force.

Meetings

The task force generally meets the first Thursday each month and has a number of sub committees that conduct a number of planning meeting for specific homeland security issues. Its meets are open to the public and widely attend by a number of public health and safety organizations not represented on the task force but still provide valuable input. Check the events section below for upcoming meeting details, such as time, date and location. 

Contact Kate Barrett for agendas and minutes for the task force.

 

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