NCJ Number
189981
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 17 Issue: 54 Dated: July/August 2001 Pages: 9-10
Date Published
2001
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes the role of the Pentagon's Joint Task Force Civil Support team in the event of a terrorist attack.
Abstract
The Joint Task Force Civil Support team was established in 1999 and has already been involved in security preparations for recent political conventions and this year's 2001 presidential inauguration. The team is now training for their role at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. Part of the United States Joint Force Command, the task force's job is "to locate and coordinate military resources to help in the aftermath of major terrorist attacks." It can be deployed only at the request of local or State civilian authorities, and takes its directions from Federal civilian agencies, most often the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As guests of State and local authorities, task force members do not carry weapons and are considering not wearing uniforms when called to action. Every member carries a "rules on the use of force" card, stating they must not arrest anyone, seize property, or use force, except in self-defense. Their goal is to save lives, prevent injury, and restore the critical infrastructure while treating all persons with dignity and respect.