NCJ Number
202119
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 19-20
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
August 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from a needs assessment survey of United States police departments conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in an attempt to determine levels of preparedness and needs of law enforcement agencies to handle a disastrous event.
Abstract
In order to prevent another terrorist attack on the United States, it is critical that America’s law enforcement community be prepared. Preparedness includes: funding, equipment, training, interagency communication mechanisms, and confidence in knowing that the Nation’s communities can be secured effectively. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) with help from the Division of State and Provincial Police and the Division of State Associations of Chiefs of Police conducted a needs assessment survey to determine levels of preparedness and needs of local, State, tribal, and Federal law enforcement agencies to handle a disastrous situation, such as a terrorist attack, riot, or a natural disaster. The survey was distributed to more than 17,000 local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. More than 4,500 surveys were returned completed. The survey produced seven key findings: (1) without additional resources, police executives do not feel their agencies are ready to protect the country; (2) since September 11, 2001, only 10 percent of the law enforcement agencies have secured additional funding; (3) agencies feel more prepared to respond to rather than prevent a terrorist attack.; (4) law enforcement agencies need appropriate equipment, more than anything else, to prevent or respond to a terrorist attack effectively; (5) in order to be prepared for terrorist attacks, law enforcement professionals need more specialized training, specifically for line personnel; (6) 81 percent of the agencies said they had collaborated or worked with fire/EMS/Search and Rescue groups for disaster preparedness, 53 percent have worked with State officials, and 40 percent and 24 percent have worked with the FBI and FEMA respectively; and (7) law enforcement agencies would benefit from increased communication with other agencies, thereby necessitating new equipment and systems. The survey results indicate that the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies have increased, but agencies have received few additional resources to help meet their expanded roles.