Impact of Terrorism on State Law Enforcement: Adjusting to New Roles and Changing Conditions, Final Report June 2006

• NCJ Number: 216642
• Date Published: June 2006
• Length: 96 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2003-DT-CX-0004
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

Findings are presented from a 50-State survey of State and local law enforcement agencies and 5 case studies regarding their counterterrorism efforts since the September 11 attacks; an expert work group offers recommendation based on the findings.

Abstract

Findings from the five case studies show that States are developing new intelligence fusion centers, analysts, and tools; regional and statewide planning is increasing; and State police are key players in counterterrorism efforts on the Nation's borders and highways. The work group that analyzed the findings recommends improved intelligence collection, analysis, and sharing at State and local levels, as well as the integration of new terrorism-related efforts into the existing criminal justice system. The work group also recommends cooperation across the entire spectrum of law enforcement and private security at local, State, and Federal levels. Other work-group recommendations address State-level governance, planning, and legal issues that pertain to State law enforcement and general terrorism-prevention responsibilities. State police have been much more involved in building their State's intelligence capabilities, conducting terrorism-related investigations, and coordinating and planning for homeland security since September 11. Approximately 70 percent of respondents reported that their personnel have significant new responsibilities in terrorism-related intelligence collection, investigations, and emergency response. Respondents also reported that local law enforcement agencies have been requesting more assistance and support from State police since September 11, particularly in the areas of training, technical assistance, forensic science, specialized services, and computer crimes. Approximately 75 percent of State agencies reported that their assignment of personnel to Federal task forces and their cooperation with Federal immigration officials have increased since September 11. Approximately 60 percent of State police agencies have increased their interactions with private security representatives concerning company facility security and worker background checks. 48 notes, appended homeland security update, glossary, survey instruments and percent distributions, and addenda on regional solutions for enhanced public safety and overcoming the jurisdictional divide