COX NEWS SERVICE
The Department of Homeland Security is facing a growing barrier: language.
The different interpretations of words such as “clear the building,” “cover,” or “surveillance” in various government agencies could lead to misunderstandings during investigations and possible chaos in the aftermath of an attack, federal officials say.
In addition, the proliferation of acronyms — including at least three common definitions for both OSC and NRC — could lead to confusion at a time when the government is trying to improve communication among federal, state and local agencies in an effort to fight domestic terrorism threats.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, concerned about the language problem, has asked the department’s advisory council to study it and present solutions, an effort dubbed the “Lexicon Project.”
The report, which was expected to be turned in to Mr. Ridge Friday, advises the department to create a homeland security lexicon that includes a core set of documents, key terms with their definitions and a glossary of acronyms. The department plans to try to promote the lexicon by making it open to the news media and the public.
The need to standardize such language is extremely important, said Christopher Furlow, executive director of the advisory council, which includes officials from federal, state and local agencies, as well as academics and others in the private sector.
“When you are in a situation where you have multiple levels of government, various disciplines which have historically had their own cultures, the media, and the general public you are trying to communicate with, all in a crisis situation, you have to be very clear on what you’re saying, and what you mean and how you give direction,” he said.
For example, the word “first responder” in the National Incident Management System — which sets guidelines for handling emergencies — means local police, fire and emergency personnel who first arrive at a scene. In a Bush presidential directive, the definition is more broad, including those “responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence and the environment.”
Other words also have different meanings throughout the government.
For the FBI, “surveillance” can be physical or technical, according to spokesman Ed Cogswell. Physical is when agents actually follow someone and technical involves electronic taping of phone calls or monitoring a person by camera.
To keep these terms straight, the council has recommended that the department hire a professional lexicographer to maintain and constantly update the system as the terminology evolves and agencies respond to new threats.
“What we’re really trying to do is get a handle on this,” Mr. Furlow said. “We know that the language is going to change, so how do we do the best job that we can to manage it?”
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