Scholars to Chertoff: Bolster DHS policy office

The letter, dated Jan. 24, cited several outside studies of DHS that recommended establishing a strong policy group. They noted that both Chertoff and the first homeland security secretary, Tom Ridge, had called for a central policy office. Ridge's plans were put on hold when Chertoff took office and mandated a top-to-bottom policy analysis called the second stage review. In accord with Chertoff's recommendations following the review, the administration created the job of assistant secretary for policy, a post now held by attorney, intelligence community executive and technology adviser Stewart A. Baker.Baker's Office of Policy, Planning and International Affairs works with resources drawn from the policy shops of the department's predecessor agencies. According to the letter, "The amount provided is wholly insufficient for the work that the office has, and should be, assigned."The scholars said that "this underfunding must be corrected at the earliest possible minute." They added that outside stakeholders?including other federal agencies, Congress, foreign governments, private companies and nonprofit organizations?all have sought a single place to work with the department and receive clear guidance about DHS' plans and views.The letter specified eight broad areas of responsibility for a beefed-up policy office, ranging from budget planning to oversight of key border programs as well as coordination with foreign governments, Congress, the private sector and other federal agencies.The letter called on Chertoff to expand Baker's policy office by at least 25 staff members and to fill all existing personnel slots quickly by reprogramming funds if possible. They also urged Chertoff to seek funding for the policy office, including its contractors and travel, in the fiscal 2007 budget. Washington Technology's .