Countering Terrorism: Integration of Practice and Theory

• NCJ Number: 199225
• Author(s): Anthony J. Pinizzotto; Susan E. Brandon; Geoffrey K. Mumford
• Date Published: February 2002
• Length: 62 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: American Psychological Assoc; US Dept of Justice; Decade of Behavior; Solomon Asch Ctr for the Study of Ethnopolitical Conflict
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; US Dept of Justice
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Downloaded February 25, 2003.

Annotation

This is a report on the proceedings of an invitational workshop of scholars, researchers, and law enforcement personnel that involved consideration of scenarios of some current problems that the FBI, other law enforcement agencies, and intelligence agencies are facing as they endeavor to identify cadres of terrorists or those who harbor them, as well as to deter support for terrorism by individuals, designated groups, and communities.

Abstract

Three broad themes for action emerged from the discussion. These were the efficient and effective collection and dispersal of information, the development and maintenance of working relationships among various communities and law enforcement personnel, and effective communication with targeted people or groups that are important to effective counter-terrorist strategies. Regarding the collection and dissemination of information, systems are being developed and evaluated for the coordination and effective communication among local responders (police, fire, and local health agencies), statewide and national agents, and allies outside the United States. Concern was expressed at the lack of effective information sharing among these groups especially between those at the local level and those at the statewide and national levels. Regarding relationships with key communities, strategies were recommended for law enforcement's effective use of the media to deliver messages to the public. Recommendations on interrogation/interview techniques focused on how to interview community members who may have information that relates to individuals who are involved in terrorist networks, either within or outside the United States. The conference also identified both the current distance between the academic/scholarship community and law enforcement and intelligence communities and the extent to which these two groups can profit from information sharing.