NCJ Number
189901
Date Published
March 2001
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This report examines findings and recommendations regarding a panel assessing domestic response capabilities for terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Abstract
The panel’s findings show that the Nation does not have a strategy but a loosely coupled set of plans and specific programs that aim to achieve certain preparedness objectives. Second, that in the event of a major terrorist attack, no single jurisdiction is likely to be capable of responding to such an attack without outside assistance. Third, there are existing emergency response and management capabilities that can be used as a base for enhancing domestic capability for response to a terrorist attack. The national strategy should be geographically and functionally comprehensive addressing both international and domestic terrorism. The national strategy should address the full spectrum of efforts against terrorism: intelligence, deterrence, prevention, investigation, prosecution, preemption, crisis management, and consequence management. The national strategy should apply to the Nation as a whole, not just the Federal Executive Branch. It should allow for appropriate resources by all levels of government. The first step is for the Executive Branch to define meaningful experience of what it is trying to achieve in combating terrorism. Programs for combating terrorism need accountability and clear priorities. Other recommendations include information sharing of intelligence and threat assessments; enhanced training, equipping, and exercising; promoting better research and development; and improving cyber security against terrorism. 1 note