To address the continuing threat of terrorism and to work with the federal Department of Homeland Security (created in 2002 following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001), homeland security in Arkansas in 2003 operated under the authority of the governor; the emergency management director was designated as the state homeland security advisor.
Educational services in Arkansas are administered primarily by the Department of Education and the Department of Higher Education. The State Highway and Transportation Department has primary responsibility for roads, rails, and public transit; the offices of motor vehicle registration and driver services are in the Department of Finance and Administration The Department of Information Systems governs the state's computer links, while the Department of Parks and Tourism encourages visitors.
Health and welfare services are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services. Public protection is provided primarily through the Department of Public Safety—which includes the Office of Emergency Services, State Police, National Guard, and Civil Air Patrol—and the Department of Correction, which operates three prisons and three work-release centers. The Public Service Commission, within the Department of Commerce, regulates utilities in the state. Housing services are provided through the Housing Development Agency and the Department of Local Services, whose Division of Manpower offers employment and training programs.