§ 14. Office of Homeland Security.

There shall be an Office of Homeland Security headed by a Director of Homeland Security. The Office of Homeland Security shall be responsible for providing planning, coordination and domestic preparedness training and shall coordinate the County's emergency management effort with Federal, State and local jurisdictions. The Office of Homeland Security shall also be responsible for management of an integrated public safety and emergency communication system. Within the Office of Homeland Security, there shall be an Office of Public Safety Communication, and an Office of Emergency Management. The head of the Office of Emergency Management shall be appointed by the Governor pursuant to the provisions of Article 16A, Section 7, of the Annotated Code of Maryland, upon the recommendation of the County Executive. Prior to submission to the Governor, the County Executive shall secure concurrence of the County Council with the recommendation in the manner set forth in Section 322 of the Charter. The Office of Emergency Management shall have the duties and responsibilities as set forth in Article 16A, Section 7, of the Annotated Code of Maryland. There may be an Advisory Committee on Homeland Security which shall function in an advisory capacity to the Director of Homeland Security.

(Executive Order No. 14-2003, CB-21-2003)