NCJ Number
176785
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 68 Issue: 1 Dated: January 1999 Pages: 19-24
Date Published
1999
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Law enforcement agencies need to be prepared for a broad range of possible terrorist attacks aimed at mass transit systems.
Abstract
Terrorist attacks not only have the potential for massive destruction but also require a response from many different organizations. Disparate organizations may never have worked together and may have no experience with mass transit systems. Preincident planning and extensive interagency training may help overcome these weaknesses. In order to coordinate an appropriate response to a mass transit incident, law enforcement must first determine whether the incident can be defined as a terrorist act. Typical threats include bomb threats and actual bombs, hostage situations, and shootings or snipers. Police officers frequently encounter such incidents and have standard policies and procedures in place for dealing with them. To plan for typical threats, police departments should determine the maximum response they can provide and locate outside resources if necessary. Atypical threats to mass transit include chemical, biological, and nuclear incidents, and these generally extend beyond the ability of police departments to counter without assistance. Mass transmit system considerations of significance to police departments are noted, along with prevention strategies related to security, detection, and environmental design. 9 endnotes and 1 photograph