Martin O'Malley

Since 9/11, Governor O’Malley has been recognized as a national leader on homeland security and public safety issues. He has led nation-wide homeland security efforts as an advocate, exemplar of best practices, and adviser to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Governor O’Malley considers public safety one of the most sacred and important responsibilities of those in public service.

As mayor of Baltimore, Governor O’Malley was selected by his fellow mayors to co-chair the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Homeland Security Task Force.

As Governor of Maryland, O’Malley was selected by his fellow governors to co-chair the National Governors Association’s Special Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano selected Governor O’Malley to serve as a key external adviser on the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

As an HSAC member, Governor O’Malley was selected to chair Task Forces on Violent Extremism and Community Resilience.

Governor O’Malley has been a national advocate for homeland security support and resources, delivering addressees on homeland security at the Democratic Leadership Council, National Press Club, Democratic National Convention, and the Center for National Policy, among others, and testifying before the U.S. Congress.

Governor O’Malley has worked as an author, collaborator, and partner with renowned homeland security experts such as Richard Clarke, Gary Hart, and Stephen Flynn.

In the coming weeks and months, Governor O’Malley will release detailed plans to strengthen U.S. homeland security, including proposals to keep America safe by:

Expanding Community Partnerships To Counter Violent Extremism

Groups like ISIL are committed to recruiting and radicalizing individuals to carry out small-scale attacks against the United States. The best line of defense against these diffuse threats is trusted partnerships with local communities, which the federal government should expand and empower with greater training and resources.

Reinforcing Cybersecurity From The Bottom Up

Every state’s National Guard should develop cybersecurity capabilities to protect critical infrastructure, utilities, and citizens’ personal information. The National Guard offers the quickest and most cost-effective way to stand up this capacity at the state level. To learn more about Governor O’Malley’s plans to strengthen cybersecurity, read his TIME Op-Ed.

Strengthening the Public Safety Standards of Cities and States

As the most likely target of terrorist attacks, major American cities should complete a Homeland Security Checklist of best practices, including vulnerability assessments, protective equipment for all first responders, interoperable communications, improved intelligence-sharing, and closed-circuit television.