NCJ Number
193024
Date Published
2002
Length
19 pages
Annotation
In addressing law enforcement’s role and response to threats of terrorism, this report described and discussed those weapons of mass destruction typically used by terrorists and presented an overview of those critical elements requiring the attention of law enforcement at the three stages of a terrorist incident: before, during, and after.
Abstract
Law enforcement’s goal is to ensure public safety. However, there are many situations that arise to undermine this goal, such as terrorism. A citizen’s perception of this danger can send a community into a panic. The response to the situation, as well as the control of the situation by law enforcement affects how safe the community feels. The report begins with a review of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) that terrorists are likely to use. The three types of WMD most commonly used are nuclear, biological, and chemical. It continues with an overview of critical elements needing law enforcement’s attention at three stages of an event: (1) before the incident; (2) during the incident; and (3) after the incident. Responsibilities of law enforcement administrators before the incident occurs include leadership in planning and preparation. Some of the areas highlighted include: the power of information; community assessment of risk; the media as an information tool to the community; voice and data communications; incident management plan; resource gathering; and protection of law enforcement. The responsibilities during the incident include leadership in executing and responding to any catastrophe. Some of the areas highlighted included: on-scene command; WMD’s disruptive potential; intelligence; communications; transportation; incident management; community outreach and information; and a six-step incident response process. The responsibilities after the incident include leadership in following through. Some of the highlighted include: helping the healing; crime scene; psychological issues; rumor control; racial and ethnic backlash; and victim assistance.