NCJ Number
174106
Date Published
1996
Length
254 pages
Annotation
This volume discusses terrorism in terms of its forms, the motives and methods of terrorists, the ways in which advanced technological civilization is vulnerable to terrorism, law enforcement responses, the role of private security, and actions individuals can take to protect themselves.
Abstract
The discussion notes that terrorism includes varied actions and that many destructive actions do not fit the official definition of terrorism. It offers a practical definition of terrorism as a problem solving technique by a group of people who are unable or unwilling to solve a grievance through legal channels and therefore use violence to cope with their problems. It notes that terrorists are generally sane and self-disciplined, have motives varying from lofty to self-serving, and have little difficulty obtaining the weapons they need. It further notes that society is pervaded by soft targets that give terrorists almost unlimited opportunities. Further sections focus on bombing scenarios, the nuclear threat, chemical and biological threats, disruption techniques, computer sabotage, kidnapping, assassination, and the limitations of efforts by police and private security. The discussion concludes that the government cannot protect individuals against terrorism and that most self-protective actions and tactics are similar to those used for protection against street crime. Recommended self-protection actions, photographs, chapter reference lists, index, appended bomb threat checklist and form on which to list emergency telephone numbers, and annotated list of recommended readings and films