NCJ Number
191568
Date Published
1999
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This chapter shows how Federal support of local response to terrorist acts are becoming better understood and organized, and it summarizes how the Federal Government is organized to help incidents of terrorism and how it declares and responds to a disaster.
Abstract
In events of earthquakes, floods, and natural disasters, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) plays the lead role. When there are nuclear or environmental events, the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) step in. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) responds to health issues. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) responds to criminal acts. Because local agencies may not possess all the knowledge or have the skills to fully manage a disaster, or a biological attack, they may seek Federal assistance. Presidential Decision Directive 39 directs the Government to identify, acquire, and plan the use of resources needed to anticipate, prevent, and resolve a threat of an act of terrorism. Under traditional methods, a governor requests assistance from FEMA, but if a biological event occurs, local authorities may not recognize the attack. The FBI is the lead agency in incidents of weapons of mass destruction. The agency initiates a threat assessment process and calls in other Federal agencies to determine the validity from a technical, tactical, and behavioral standpoint. FEMA would work to protect public health and safety, restore governmental services, and provide emergency relief to those affected by terrorism. The FBI on-site commander has the authority to take appropriate crisis management actions at any time during the response to terrorism. The commander can gain assistance and advice from other agencies. Federal agencies provide primary assistance to State and local governments to manage incidents involving nuclear materials, hazardous substances, and support health and medical services. Many States have reported they have plans that address responses to terrorist incidents, but current planning is inadequate. FEMA believes emergency planners at all levels lack adequate information on how responders are organized and equipped. There is a need for better Federal and State cooperation in planning a mutually supportive response capability. Responders need more specialty equipment, better protective equipment, and adequate medical supplies. DOE provides training for first responders in nuclear awareness, weapons of mass destruction, and radiation awareness. The FBI teaches Federal integration, community integration, and crime scene awareness courses. The EPA offers a program for protecting the public and the environment from hazardous substances and oil releases. FEMA provides training to cover the range of emergency preparedness and response capabilities. The Defense Department supports a Federal response by providing technical escort units, medical research, chemical defense, a biological incident response force, and other kinds of research. HHS provides public health support services, such as triage and hospitalization. DOE can assist with detection and decontamination of biological and chemical agents. Funding is thought to be inadequate at all levels. If a terrorist organization were to launch an attack tomorrow that was designed to achieve a high body count, it is likely it would achieve its goals.