Before September 11, 2001, how did federal services agencies operate?

Federal services agencies operated with a variety of missions prior to September 11, 2001. This means they were involved in several areas beyond just homeland security, addressing issues such as law enforcement, emergency management, and public health, among others. Each agency had its mandate and often focused on specific areas of concern within its domain, rather than a unified approach to national security as is more common today.

In the context of historical operations, prior to the reorganization of the federal government in response to 9/11, there was a fragmented approach to domestic safety and security. While some agencies may have coordinated efforts occasionally, they were not primarily focused on securing the homeland in a cohesive manner. Additionally, although there was collaboration with military and intelligence agencies, it was not as integrated as it has become post-9/11. The transformation that followed sought to create a more holistic and coordinated effort in securing the nation, which had not been prioritized in the same way prior to the attacks.