Los Angeles County is one of six Tier One risk targets designated by the Department of Homeland Security, along with New York City; Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX; and San Francisco, CA. Unlike the five which are similar in that they are concentrated high-visibility targets in densely populated areas, the sheer size of Los Angeles County (4,084 square miles) and the layout of its population make it extremely difficult to secure. To protect Los Angeles County, which encompasses 88 incorporated cities, including Los Angeles, and many lucrative terrorist targets, requires information sharing, cooperation, and grants to fund new technologies. Los Angeles County has developed a specific solution to its unique Tier One situation by incorporating the above necessary requirements.