NCJ Number
45315
Date Published
1977
Length
10 pages
Annotation
METHODS AND POLICIES TO PREVENT TERRORISM WHICH HAVE BEEN PROPOSED OR ACTUALLY PUT INTO EFFECT IN THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONALLY ARE EVALUATED.
Abstract
IN 1972, A CABINET COMMITTEE TO COMBAT TERRORISM WAS ESTABLISHED TO CONSIDER THE MOST EFFECTIVE MEANS TO PREVENT TERRORISM. UNDER THE COMMITTEE, A WORKING GROUP WAS FORMED TO COORDINATE GOVERNMENT PREVENTION ACTIVITIES AND MAKE USE OF GOVERNMENTWIDE RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM. ALL SECURITY AGENCIES HAVE IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF THEIR INTELLIGENCE RELATING TO TERRORISM. SECURITY AT UNITED STATES EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES HAS BEEN STRENGTHENED, AND THEIR TECHNIQUES AND EXPERIENCES ARE BEING SHARED WITH AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN WORKING ABROAD. VISA, CUSTOMS, AND IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED, AND INCREASED PROTECTION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO FOREIGN OFFICIALS IN THIS COUNTRY. MORE STRINGENT AIRPORT SECURITY AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS WITH CUBA AND OTHER NATIONS DENYING ASYLUM TO HIJACKERS HAVE ACTED TO REDUCE INCIDENTS OF AIRCRAFT HIJACKING. EFFORTS MADE BY THE UNITED STATES TO COMBAT INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM HAVE INCLUDED ORGANIZING MULTILATERAL CONVENTIONS DEALING WITH HIJACKING, ASSISTING OTHER GOVERNMENTS WHICH HAVE BECOME VICTIMS OF TERRORIST INCIDENTS BY PROVIDING COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER SERVICES, PRESSING MEASURES IN UNITED NATIONS TO PROTECT DIPLOMATS, AND CREATING TASK FORCES TO DEAL WITH INCIDENTS AND RESCUE THE VICTIMS. THE U.S. HAS ADOPTED A FIRM POLICY OF NOT PAYING RANSOM TO KIDNAPPERS, IN THE BELIEF THAT SUCH A POLICY WILL SAVE MORE LIVES IN THE LONG RUN. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT ITS CITIZENS, AND TERRORISTS MUST BE MADE TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS UNPROFITABLE FOR THEM TO ATTACK INNOCENT PERSONS.