NCJ Number
101960
Date Published
1985
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This report defines terrorism, assesses its threat in New York State, and proposes operational principles for responding to it.
Abstract
Terrorism is defined as a tactic or technique by which a violent act or threat is used primarily to create fear for coercive purposes. In any given year, the State (particularly the New York City area) is the site of 30 to 50 percent of domestic acts of terrorism. A continued threat can be anticipated because the State presents an inviting array of potential targets, its diverse population and geography facilitate clandestine activity, and it provides an infrastructure of supporters and havens for a broad range of radical groups. In addition, New York City is a frequent focus of media attention. While guided by clear moral principles and law, the State must effectively respond to terrorist threats and be perceived by the public as doing so. It must engage in ongoing planning activities, and its response to terrorism should be firm, timely, carefully measured, and consistent with the level of threat. Finally, a clear line must be drawn between addressing legitimate grievances and acceding to terrorist demands. Appendixes further discuss the Brinks robbery, a security proposal, a mobile radio program, change of venue legislation, a threat assessment, and escapes and rescues by radicals in the United States. Biographies of policy study group members.