NCJ Number
130329
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 58 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1991) Pages: 40-42
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The U.S. Department of State's Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) program, which was authorized by Congress in 1983, is a major component of the U.S. Government's effort to combat international terrorism.
Abstract
The ATA program has three major objectives: enhancement of the anti-terrorism skills of participating countries; development of bilateral ties between the United States and friendly governments; and the sharing of modern, humane, and effective anti-terrorism techniques with international civil authorities. The major ATA program components are executive seminars, program design and development, and training and related activities. The executive seminars familiarize senior civilian officials of a participating country with the range of issues and problems that must be addressed in the development of effective anti-terrorism mechanisms. Program design and development involves working with a country to forge a program tailored to the security needs of the particular country. ATA training for government officials provides knowledge and skills designed to prevent and cope with terrorist-related activities. Courses address such subjects as airport security management, explosives detection, hostage negotiation, incident-scene management, crisis management, maritime security, and VIP protection.