Based on Governor Douglas’s recommendation and State Legislature approval, the Homeland Security Unit (HSU) was established within the Department of Public Safety in July 2002. The primary mission of the HSU is to provide coordination and support to all local and state response organizations to ensure that the state is adequately prepared for any type of incident. The HSU coordinates Homeland Security Grants to provide funding for terrorist or all-hazards preparedness efforts in the areas of planning, training, exercises and equipment.

The Vermont Homeland Security Unit consists of one Vermont State Police Captain, two Vermont State Police Lieutenants, two Grants Administrators, two Exercise Program Planners and a Program Planner.