NCJ Number
130333
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 54-56
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This discussion of a strategy for countering the threat of terrorism at special events covers organizational structure, threat analysis, strategic and operational planning, training, logistical support, coordination centers, crisis management, and emergency response capabilities.
Abstract
Special events are those national or international events likely to attract the interest of terrorists inclined to select targets that will have the greatest international impact. Special events management is typically directed by a policymaking group comprised of agency heads or executive-level policymakers from those governmental agencies directly involved in staging the event such as the chief of police; the sheriff; the superintendent or commissioner of the State police; and special agents-in-charge of the FBI, Secret Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and other agencies that have direct responsibility for the event's security. The major problem in threat analysis is the development of an accurate threat analysis early enough to influence the strategic planning. Strategic planning requires that law enforcement agencies move out of their typical reactive posture and plan for a future event with significant unpredictable factors. Training is essential, since most of the key people involved in planning will not have participated in major infrequent events. The interagency coordination center is necessary to ensure that communication among involved agencies is expedient and effective.