SAN DIEGO -- KGTV/Channel 10 in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Council for Excellence in Government hosted Thursday evening a town hall meeting, called Homeland Security from the Citizens' Perspective.

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TOWN HALL MEETING See Images From Town Hall Meeting

The purpose of the town hall meeting was to examine San Diegans' attitudes about homeland security, identify critical areas of concern, and recommend practical steps for shaping effective policies and procedures in the future.

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Department of Homeland Security was created to coordinate efforts among several agencies.

According to a 10News/Survey USA poll, nearly half of those polled said they feel safer now than they did immediately after Sept. 11, while 19 percent said they feel less safe.

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge kicked off the event, and television journalist/former CNN anchor Frank Sesno moderated the discussion with experts from the San Diego area.

The following officials made up the panel:

Jeff Bowman
San Diego Fire Chief

Patricia McGinnis
The Council for Excellence in Government, President

Rick Martinez
State Offices of Homeland Security, Chief Deputy Director

Steve Peck
SAP Public Service, President

Tom Ridge
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary

Deborah Steffen
County Offices Of Emergency Services

The panel answered the public's questions which were submitted via e-mail.

An audience of 200 people attended the meeting.

The event took place at the KGTV/Channel 10 studios.