NCJ Number
189912
Date Published
December 1999
Length
123 pages
Annotation
The possibility that terrorists will use weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in this country to kill and injure Americans presents a genuine threat to the United States.
Abstract
In recent years, efforts have clearly been focused on more preparations for such attacks. The vast array of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons conceivably available to terrorists today can be used against humans, animals, crops, the environment, and physical structures in many different ways. The reasons terrorists may perpetrate a WMD attack include a desire to kill as many people as possible as a means to annihilate their enemies, to instill fear and panic to undermine a governmental regime, to create a means of negotiating from a position of unsurpassed strength, or to cause great social and economic impact. The most likely terrorist groups to use CBRN are fundamentalist or apocalyptic religious organizations, cults, and extreme single-issue groups. It is concluded that the Nation must be prepared for the entire spectrum of potential terrorist threats. The United States needs to have a viable national strategy to guide the development of clear, comprehensive, and integrated national domestic preparedness plans to combat terrorism. A Federal focal point and “clearinghouse” for related preparedness information and for directing State and local entities to appropriate Federal agencies is needed. Congress should consider forming an ad hoc Joint Special or Select Committee to prove more efficiency and effectiveness in Federal efforts. Obtaining and sharing information on potential terrorist threats at all levels of government is recommended to provide more effective deterrence, prevention, interdiction, or response. National standards for responders at all levels, particularly planning, training, and equipment, are critical, as is more emphasis on research, development, testing, and evaluation in the adoption of such standards. 7 appendices