Homeland security begins with local law enforcement and the community. The collection of information at the community level is critical to the overall homeland se­curity mission. That's where it all starts for every city and town in the United States.

Many sources of relevant information that could affect homeland security exist in every city and town. The information police, fire, and ambulance personnel glean from the people they contact daily are the key to successful potential threat awareness and prevention. Emergency responder technology, equipment and training are the foundation of effective homeland security and incident response.

The Massachusetts Law Enforcement Technology & Training Support Center (MALETTSC) conducted a statewide homeland security preparedness assessment for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Through its Commonwealth Executive Office of Public Safety MALETTSC reviewed the preparedness of all Massachusetts cities and towns in accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8.