NCJ Number
219893
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 23 Issue: 99 Dated: July/August 2007 Pages: 4-12
Date Published
July 2007
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article discusses how patrol officers can assist in identifying and capturing domestic and international terrorists in the course of their traditional duties, with an emphasis on traffic stops and calls for service.
Abstract
Patrol officers should not be wedded to the stereotypical view that terrorists are only men or that they receive training weapons, funds, and operational direction from a leadership group. Terrorists can be women and children, and they may operate under their own initiative in selecting targets and devising strategies. Further, attention must be given to domestic terrorists who do not fit the profile of a Middle-Eastern Arab. It is critical that patrol officers not become locked into precise racial, religious, ethnic, or national-origin-based profiling in detecting terrorist threats. Police should also be aware that terrorists engage in a number of criminal activities indirectly related to terrorist activities, such as forging documents. In terms of traffic stops, some signs to look for are driving a rental or stolen car, using temporary license plates, the driver's license and vehicle registration not being from the same State, and an altered or forged license or title. Because individuals involved in terrorist activity may be involved in other types of crimes, service calls for various types of crime should include alertness to possible links to terrorist activity. Terrorists can be involved in various theft crimes, document fraud, bribery, ad money laundering, to name only a few criminal activities that may relate to fundraising or operational strategies related to terrorism. Any suspicion of terrorist activity by a patrol officer should be communicated to a supervisor or watch commander. 29 references