Interpol and Terrorism: Trends and Prevention (From International Terrorism: The Decade Ahead, P 73-76, 1989, Jane Rae Buckwalter, ed. -- See NCJ-120184)

• NCJ Number: 120191
• Author(s): D Lavey
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: University of Illinois at Chicago
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Presented at the Third Annual International Symposium on Criminal Justice Issues in 1988.

Annotation

INTERPOL, which is composed of 146 countries that contribute to its goals and activities, enhances international police cooperation in countering terrorism.

Abstract

INTERPOL's analysis of trends in terrorism suggests that terrorists continuously increase the sophistication of their tactics to circumvent prevention efforts. Preventive efforts must address this progression in terrorism's sophistication. INTERPOL analysis indicates that 50-60 percent of terrorist crimes involve bombings or explosive devices. This indicates the need to develop explosive detection and screening capabilities. Another aspect of the terrorist problem is the possible use of surrogates, whereby States conduct terrorist operations. This suggests that those actually responsible for a terrorist incident may be different from those who claim responsibility. INTERPOL reports the existence of a significant infrastructure for terrorist groups, which permits participating groups to draw upon a reservoir of resources. INTERPOL's assumption is that the widespread dissemination of information useful to law enforcement in combatting terrorism in various countries can be useful in the international arena.