NCJ Number
116040
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 26 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 53-56
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the key role played by New Jersey's highway patrol officers in identifying and apprehending terrorists, as well as their special training in counterterrorist strategies.
Abstract
Since the early 1970s, New Jersey has been victimized by many terrorist groups, and the State Police's patrol force has become the front line of the counterterrorism response. Three incidents between 1973 and 1984 in which State troopers lost their lives demonstrate the likelihood that these officers will make the first enforcement contact with terrorists. Descriptions of other incidents illustrate the State's strategy to confront the terrorist with a patrol force, back up the patrols with up-to-date intelligence, and launch follow-up investigations that can lead to successful prosecutions. The overview of training addresses terrorist characteristics disclosed through investigations and risk assessment skills. Also discussed are education programs developed in conjunction with Seton Hall University and in-service training for State Police and other law enforcement personnel. Several case studies highlight the highway patrol's role in counterterrorism.