NCJ Number
211319
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 74 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2005 Pages: 2-8
Date Published
September 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Because of the potential scope and deadliness of a terrorist attack, particularly one that involves biological or chemical weapons, concerns for officer safety enter a new dimension that focuses on prevention and extensive preplanning for officer protection against the effects of extraordinary weaponry.
Abstract
Prevention of a terrorist incident must be included as part of officer safety measures, because officers could become victims in the attack. One key to preventing a terrorist attack is intelligence gathering. The precepts of community policing can be helpful in this regard, because the development of community liaisons, the development of cultural awareness, close relationships with immigrant communities, and cooperative efforts in public safety can develop channels for information sharing that can help police detect terrorists' planning activities. Another safety concern for officers is the chance that an officer may encounter terrorists in the course of their planning, creating the potential for armed conflict. This may involve the discovery of terrorists planting explosives or engaged in the preparation of chemical or biological weapons. Currently, protective measures for approaching clandestine drug labs and industrial or transportation accidents constitute the primary viable model for terrorists' chemical attacks, but with different circumstances. The odds that terrorists will succeed in launching an attack, however, are slightly greater than the odds of interception just prior to an attack. In such an event, officers' safety becomes a subordinate part of the general welfare of the citizenry in the attack area. In such a circumstance, officer safety is encompassed in planning for the tactics, clothing, and equipment officers will use to protect themselves while helping the citizens they are sworn to serve and protect.