NCJ Number
103819
Editor(s)
L Sherow
Date Published
1986
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This first part of a two-part videotape explains the history and goals of terrorism and presents profiles of terrorist groups and individual terrorists.
Abstract
The tape is intended for education of law enforcement personnel, military personnel, Federal employees, security personnel, and criminal justice students. Terrorism has existed for thousands of years, but its role in the United States grew in the 1960's and 1970's. Television coverage has increased the influence of terrorism. Terrorists have political or ideological goals, see themselves as legitimate 'soldiers,' use violence, and often spend large amounts of money to generate public sympathy for their goals. Terrorist groups are generally based in urban areas, are highly mobile, and operate covertly. They are generally weaker than the government they fight and try to intimidate the population. Groups vary in their goals, ideology, area of operations, and short-range goals. Fifty-two percent of American terrorists are mentally disturbed, but they usually appear to be normal. The major types of terrorists are the political extremists; disillusioned, sociopathic, mentally ill, ideologically motivated, or mercenary followers of political extremists; fleeing criminals; wronged persons seeking redress; and religious fanatics. For the second part of this tape, see NCJ 103820.