NCJ Number
79683
Date Published
Unknown
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This lecture by Louis Giuffrida, director of the California Special Training Institute, formulates the rationale for effective government intelligence and planning to combat terrorism and outlines a planning strategy that can be implemented in Puerto Rico for readiness in any eventuality.
Abstract
The opening argument contends that terrorism is never justified in a social system that permits lawful change and that it is the first duty of government to war against those who break the law. In the war between the forces of law and those of terrorism, the former are at a disadvantage because they are constrained by laws of the society while terrorist activity is not limited by any rules. The better prepared the government, the weaker the terrorists' potential. Governments should be willing to spend money on physical security techniques that do have deterrent effects. Planning and intelligence should be pursued on a long-range basis because terrorists plan in terms of years. The recommended planning approach to a public security program for Puerto Rico is a small but comprehensive antiterrorism task force under the governor, including representatives from the departments of fire, transportation, police, and corrections; the attorney general's office; and the press. A listing of strengths and weaknesses for both the government's and terrorists' sides should identify gaps to be filled by increased intelligence work. Allocation of responsibility and the detailed preparation of subplans should involve all vital components of the master plan such as the areas of medicine, communications, transportation, etc. Inclusion of the corrections department is needed because prisons are the incubators of terrorist activity. Self-criticism and ongoing plan review should ensure that effective intelligence work is accomplished within the legal system. The war against terrorism is in large part a battle for minds; the side that has public support will be the one that wins. Therefore, citizen understanding of the necessity for governmental countermeasures against terrorism must be heightened. Questions concern restrictions on intelligence gathering and the necessity of legislative measures to equip intelligence to work within the law for protection of the majority. Jay Mallin, the expert on Latin American terrorism, comments on Castro's intentions concerning Puerto Rico. Some questions from the audience are raised in Spanish.