NCJ Number
180898
Journal
Policy and Practice Dated: Summer 1999 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview of the Federal and State organizational structures intended to address disasters caused by domestic terrorism, with a focus on preparedness and response to a terrorist incident rather than on counter-terrorism and the apprehension and conviction of terrorists.
Abstract
The Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction Act of 1996 mandated enhanced capability to respond to domestic terrorist incidents that involve nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. The law designated the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) as the lead agency to implement a program to provide civilian personnel from Federal, State, and local agencies with training and expert advice on emergency responses to attacks from weapons of mass destruction. The Domestic Preparedness Program (DPP) was established to implement this law. The DPP recognizes the critical role that first responders would play in the aftermath of a terrorist attack and the valuable technical assets that the Federal Government has to offer State and local officials. The DPP is using emergency response structures that are already in place and building on them. It is then exercising the augmented emergency response structures. The DPP also has begun to open important lines of communication. Only time will tell whether the latest streamlining and coordination efforts can reduce duplication and enable Federal, State, and local law enforcement, emergency, medical, and military personnel to produce an effective response should a terrorist incident occur. A list of 25 resources