Criminal Justice 
 
Even before disaster struck, law enforcement was hard at work preparing to respond.  
In addition, local emergency management officials, fire and rescue teams, and others monitored the storm and were in contact with the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA). The Alabama National Guard was activated and communication and coordination with neighboring states on deployment of personnel was implemented. 
 
Identifying health and safety concerns was a top priority from the onset of this unprecedented event. In addition to repair of general infrastructure, Hurricane Katrina Public Assistance applicants such as local emergency management officials needed to maintain law and order and public safety under very adverse conditions. 
  
To date, FEMA has obligated (paid to the state) over $15 million for emergency protective measures to assist in the recovery of individual fire departments, county emergency management agencies and to the State of Alabama.