NCJ Number
208232
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 26 Issue: 1 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 25-37
Date Published
June 2003
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of several major types of citizen police organizations that are currently engaged in preventing and responding to terrorist acts and discusses the mobilization against terrorism of the citizen police units designated as either auxiliary or reserve police.
Abstract
Citizen police are members of organizations authorized to provide supportive and protective services in association with law enforcement agencies on a voluntary basis. Qualified auxiliary police or reserves could assist in counterterrorism efforts by helping to screen and train employees in sabotage-prone industries, such as airlines. The Federal Government could officially recognize the potential contributions of volunteer police by establishing training sections at its various training locations. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is another citizen organization that could be used in counterterrorism operations. Typically, many members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary operate their own boats to assist in marine safety programs. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has logged many hours of port security patrols. The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, and is organized according to military lines of authority. The CAP has been involved in aerial photography and the transportation of medical supplies, which are services needed in countering and responding to terrorist operations. Since 1993, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Management Institute has provided various courses and materials for private citizens that provide them with the basic skills and knowledge for helping themselves and others survive in the aftermath of a disaster. These individuals could be organized into special teams to act as "auxiliary responders" in case of a terrorist attack. Thus, the regular use of trained citizen volunteers could be a valuable resource for maintaining homeland security. 41 references