Gilbert M. Orrantia

Director, Arizona Department of Homeland Security

Gilbert M. Orrantia was appointed in June 2009. Prior to his appointment he served in the FBI for 26 years. Biography

Recently, the Forum had the opportunity to interview Director Orrantia.

Forum: What are the particular challenges facing the state of Arizona in the area of homeland security?

Director Orrantia: One of the greatest challenges affecting the professionals tasked with securing the homeland in Arizona is Border Security.  Arizona shares a 370-mile border with the Mexican State of Sonora. The state of Arizona is very active in suppressing the flow of illegal drugs and in sustaining efforts curtailing human smuggling across the shared border.

Forum: What role has Arizona’s Fusion Center played in assisting the state in meeting the challenges of its homeland security mission?

Director Orrantia: The Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) is the focal point of Arizona’s efforts in information sharing. Federal, State, Local and Tribal law enforcement officials, firefighters and analysts share a common endeavor in protecting the citizens of Arizona, and other border states.  The sharing of information between all levels of government and Arizona’s citizens is paramount.

Forum: It is often said that any incident is local for the first 24-48 hours, or maybe longer, until the federal assistance begins to arrive. With that caveat in mind, how would you rate the state of Arizona today in its overall abilities to respond to an incident/event that impacted the state?

Director Orrantia: The state of Arizona has successfully responded to disasters and incidents and sustained a competent response posture following incidents. From wild land fires, to flooding, to criminal acts, the State has successfully responded to various emergencies throughout the state of Arizona.

Forum: What role does community preparedness play in Arizona’s homeland security mission?

Director Orrantia: The readiness of the citizens of Arizona has always been at the forefront of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the Arizona Division of Emergency Management. Citizens Corps and Ready.gov are two programs that both agencies support. The enlistment of volunteer organizations is an important aspect of community preparedness.

Forum: What three issues would your office like to see addressed with regards federal-state interaction on issues of homeland security?

Director Orrantia:

• Border Security Issues

• Sustainment Funding for State Fusion Centers

• Homeland Security Funding Cuts

Forum: The public-private interaction at the local and state level is increasingly a focal point for improving response and recovery efforts in addition to awareness and preparedness issues. How is this relationship in Arizona and what more could be done to improve the relationship?

Director Orrantia: The members of the Private Sector Partnerships program in Arizona include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Protective Security Advisor; the FBI InfraGard Coordinator; the Private Sector Coordinators from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the Arizona Division of Emergency Management and the Community Liaison Program at the ACTIC. These individuals work toward a common goal and have formed a partnership known as AZ PASS (Partners for Arizona’s Safety and Security). PASS is an e-mail notification system for members of the private sector; as well as an avenue to view information on HSIN- AZ PASS.

A member of the private sector has been allocated workspace at the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center, and interfaces with those working on counterterrorism issues.

A continued outreach effort directed at the private sector is extremely important. Ongoing contact between governmental agencies and the private sector along with training and exercises will continue to enhance homeland security efforts.