NCJ Number
242396
Date Published
December 2010
Length
195 pages
Annotation
This document provides information and communication guidance to local leaders responding to threats posed by IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and terrorism.
Abstract
This document was developed with support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide information and communication guidance to local leaders responding to threats posed by IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and terrorism. The guidance is presented in six chapters. Chapter 1 contains anticipated questions for leaders following an IED attack. Chapter 2 discusses the issues arising from the public's perception of IEDs. The topics covered in this section resulted from focus group research and survey research. Chapter 3 discusses current communication initiatives related to IEDs and terrorist attacks. The three types of risk communication initiatives reviewed include fact sheets and web content, message templates, and outreach and awareness programs. Chapter 4 examines the issues surrounding trust, confidence, and credibility and how they relate to the use of IEDs. Chapter 5 examines the use of social media by public officials to communicate with the general public during a domestic IED attack in the United States. The study found that government officials and agencies need to immediately integrate social media, including the use of hand-held devices, into risk and crisis communication plans, and to provide the technology and training resources necessary to properly implement and utilize these new forms of communication. Chapter 6 contains detailed guidance for local officials and emergency response organizations on developing an emergency risk communication and joint information center plan for an IED attack. The purpose of the plan is to ensure the delivery of understandable, timely, accurate, consistent, and credible information to the public, the media, and other stakeholders.