Training, Funding and Equipment: An Antiterrorism Triangle

• NCJ Number: 203017
• Journal: Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2003 Pages: 178-183
• Author(s): Arthur Sharp
• Date Published: October 2003
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reports on responses to a survey of 30 lawn enforcement agencies throughout the country regarding their preparedness for terrorist attacks.

Abstract

The survey, which was conducted in May 2003, found that only 50 percent of the respondents believed they were well prepared to deal with terrorism-related events. Thirty-six percent reported they were not prepared, with some qualifiers; the other 14 percent were unsure of their preparedness. Although 91 percent of the respondents stated that all officers should be trained in antiterrorism, serious barriers to such training were identified, notably budgetary constraints and the slow acquisition of equipment. Only 15 percent of the respondents reported an increase in their budgets. Regarding personnel needs, 11 percent of the responding agencies reported they are attracting fewer recruits; only 5 percent said they are attracting more. Twenty-three percent of the respondents indicated they have lost personnel since the emphasis on antiterrorism programs increased. Only 4 percent have added personnel. Thirty-two percent of the respondents are giving more emphasis to terrorism-related crimes such as identity theft and immigration violations. Sixty-five percent of the agencies have dedicated antiterrorism units in place; only 21 percent are full-time. The survey found that agencies are not receiving large amounts of funding to support their antiterrorism efforts; only 27 percent had received any extra outside funding, largely due to the complex application process for funding (64 percent indicated this to be the case). Sixty-four percent of the respondents reported they had recently acquired antiterrorism-related equipment; gas masks and face-mask respirators were the most popular items, followed by chemical escape suits, hazardous material devices, and communications devices. In addition to issues of personnel, equipment, training, and funding, the agencies face many challenges in the development of plans and tactics for addressing specific types of terrorist events that may occur in specific jurisdictions.