NCJ Number
203073
Journal
The Law Enforcement Trainer Volume: 17 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2002 Pages: 38-39
Date Published
September 2002
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article underscores the importance of terrorism and extremism training for law enforcement officers.
Abstract
In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, it has become clear that law enforcement officers, as members of our Nation’s emergency first-responders, must be well trained in issues of terrorism and extremism. Specialized and specific training that examines human and cultural diversity, as well as the common ideologies that extremists profess, will prepare law enforcement to quickly and appropriately respond to terrorist threats or attacks. The article asserts that law enforcement officers, along side of our military personnel, are at significant risk of personal attack as symbols of the American government. As such, arming officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively combat terrorism is imperative. Thus, while cultural sensitivity and tolerance training continues to have an important place in law enforcement education, it is equally important to train officers on the ideologies espoused by extremist groups.