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Structure of Counterterrorism Planning and Operations in the United States

NCJ Number
134765
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: (July/September 1991) Pages: 135-144
Author(s)
O B Revell
Date Published
1991
Length
10 pages
Annotation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is responsible for investigating the activities of terrorist groups within the United States and for the investigation of terrorist acts against citizens abroad.
Abstract
Counterterrorism investigations are based on the fundamental duty of government to protect the public against terrorism and criminal violence which may be intended to destroy or manipulate the constitutional system. The approach taken in these investigations is responsive to the need to both prevent incidents where possible and to react effectively after incidents occur. The Counterterrorism Section (CTS) at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C. provides program direction and management to all FBI counterterrorism investigations. Within each field division, located in 56 major cities, there exists a squad or a component of a squad that conducts investigations. The FBI also maintains legal attache offices in 18 foreign countries providing channels through which FBI investigative responsibilities can be met. Several multinational fora are available to professional law enforcement personnel to ensure that cooperation among services continues to expand.