HSAC's Programs
The Homeland Security Advisory Council at the School of Public Policy hosts a diverse portfolio of programs for crisis managers, public safety professionals, policymakers, and graduate students designed to foster a dialogue that increases the region's resilience.
Our Programs
Distinguished Speaker Series
Providing insights on past and emerging issues in public safety
HSAC's Distinguished Speaker Series brings together public safety professionals from the private, public, and civic sectors to hear from distinguished local, regional, and national experts who provide insight on past and emerging issues in public safety and homeland security.
Emergency Managers Executive Round Table
Bringing together executive leaders across Southern California
The Emergency Managers Executive Roundtable brings together Emergency Managers from Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, Orange and San Diego counties, in addition to the state Emergency Manager from Cal OES and the Region IX FEMA Administrator. Each county Emergency Manager may also invite the Emergency Manager from their largest and/or most at-risk city or community. The Roundtable provides a truly unique forum for these leaders to discuss current and emerging issues with an emphasis on the Southern California region.
Crisis Leadership and Emergency Management Workshop
Convening the best to teach the best
HSAC hosts the annual Crisis Leadership and Emergency Management Workshop, which is attended by hundreds of participants from across the region who learn from other's experiences, identify best practices, and create innovative, collaborative solutions.
Crisis Management Internship Program
Supporting and developing public safety initiatives
HSAC's paid internship program provides a significant, project-based opportunity for graduate students interested in crisis management. The program helps foster and develop the next generation of public safety leaders by supporting HSAC's initiatives and offering students the ability to network with crisis managers, public safety professionals, and policymakers across the region.
The Nathanson Crisis Management Case Challenge
Challenging tomorrow's leaders to create innovative solutions today
The Nathanson Crisis Management Case Challenge provides a competitive forum for graduate students to exchange ideas, perspectives, and recommendations to better manage real-world issues in crisis management. Graduate students from all backgrounds and disciplines across the country are invited to team up and develop out-of-the-box solutions for the case. Qualifying teams present their recommendations to a panel of subject-matter experts, and the top three finalists are awarded cash prizes.
Public Safety Delegations and Information Exchanges
Examining the impacts of significant incidents
HSAC coordinates fact-finding delegations to recent, large-scale, and/or significant incidents, where Los Angeles-based public safety and crisis management professionals learn about best practices and examine how to prevent or reduce the impact of similar incidents in the Los Angeles region. Delegation members draft a white paper and conduct a symposium to present findings, lessons learned, and other relevant information for public safety officials in the Los Angeles region.
Public Safety Fellowships
Supporting development in key public safety agencies
HSAC provides annual opportunities for current crisis managers and public safety professionals to grow their knowledge base by sponsoring Public Safety Fellows to the Harvard Kennedy School's one-week, executive program: Leadership in Crises: Preparation and Performance. Attendees expand their crisis management expertise while learning to more effectively gather information, adapt to unique circumstances, and prioritize successfully. HSAC awards educational fellowships, which cover the course fee, lodging, and roundtrip transportation for public safety professionals from the following departments:
- Los Angeles Police Department
- Los Angeles Fire Department
- Los Angeles Emergency Management Department
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
- Los Angeles County Fire Department
- Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
Regional Emergency Management Exercise Program
Increasing resilience one scenario at a time
HSAC hosts Regional Emergency Management Exercises to provide training, tools, and resources for the private and public sectors, allowing for measurement, assessment, and testing of emergency plans.
SALUS - The Crisis Hub
Web-based crisis and event management platform
HSAC developed SALUS - The Crisis Hub, a crisis and event management platform that puts the power of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) directly into the hands of crisis managers, public safety professionals, and policymakers. Through maps and hundreds of real-time data sets, SALUS empowers end users to make data-informed decisions, effectively manage resources, share information, and generate accurate situational awareness.
Named after the Roman goddess of safety and well-being, SALUS was created by crisis managers for crisis managers. It addresses a significant gap in every phase of emergency management from planning and preparedness to response and recovery.