Terrorism and Public Policy (From Terrorism: Defensive Strategies for Individuals, Companies and Governments, P 11-28, 2001, Lawrence J. Hogan, ed., -- See NCJ-192066)

• NCJ Number: 192068
• Author(s): Lawrence J. Hogan
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 18 pages
• Sale Source: Amlex, Inc.
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines the role of the policy maker in the event of a terrorist incident.

Abstract

Terrorism is a multi-faceted problem involving police, military, public safety, politics, and public policy. All experts agree that terrorism attacks will increase in the years ahead. International terrorist groups have a support infrastructure within the United States, giving them the capability to attack virtually anywhere they choose anytime they choose. The governments that sponsor terrorists could not win an all-out war against the United States but they can and do wage terrorism through the use of primitive nuclear devices, bombs, and chemical and biological weapons. Policy makers must decide whether or not police agencies will be authorized to monitor the activities of domestic and international terrorist groups in an effort to get advance warning so potential terrorists’ acts can be thwarted. The basic purpose of government is to protect lives and property. Regarding terrorism, the government has a two-fold mission: prevention (intelligence gathering), and reaction (responding to and investigating acts committed by terrorists). Acts of terrorism are primarily local. The Federal Government has committed money to train and assist local governments in this effort. Because State and local governments are charged with the primary enforcement and public safety responsibilities related to terrorist attacks, a close working relationship between policy makers and operational people and other government agencies at all levels is needed. In addition, a coordinated incident command system is needed. Policy makers need to convene their top people to assess their vulnerabilities and capabilities with respect to terrorism. They need to study the problem as it specifically relates to their community. The U.S. Army has released six reports to aid State and local governments in responding to terrorist attacks. These reports deal with improving response to biological weapons, decontamination during a terrorist chemical agent incident, ventilation methods to reduce hazards of chemically contaminated buildings, and use of protective gear for rescue operations in terrorist chemical incidents.