Letters to the editor

Following are responses to an FCW.com poll question that asked, "Given an opportunity, would you work for the Homeland Security Department?"

To the extent that interagency cooperation is already required by law, I see the proposed Homeland Security Department as another agency collecting tons of data requiring analysis and correlation. Since that capability already exists within the CIA, the National Security Agency, the FBI, state police, etc., I see nothing but increased bureaucracy and costs, with decreased information feeding back to the local agencies and the public.

For example, look at the limited ability for states to share driver's license formats and information. And they have been working on developing sharing protocols for years.

So to keep from becoming more frustrated with federal bureaucracy, I choose to remain in my current department.

Jim Hochstein Naval Undersea Museum Keyport, Wash.

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I have a particular skill set that combines military research and development, testing, packaging, wholesale and retail military logistics systems, and experience in both reserve and active duty military service. I would transfer from the Army Department to the proposed Homeland Security Department if I felt that my efforts would make a difference.

Brian Torppey U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armament Command's Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center

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Yes. I am an information technology systems administrator with six years in law enforcement and five years with 911. Given the opportunity, I would work for the proposed Homeland Security Department. This is a much-needed and long-overdue agency.

Arthur Meacham Caddo Parish, La., 911 Communications District

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Having had more than 20 years of project management experience in the IT arena with the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Food and Drug Administration, I would like to have the opportunity to coordinate and contribute to meaningful, effective and efficient homeland security efforts.

Mark Barbero Retired Navy commander