Learning From the "Lesser" Acts: Suggestions for Improving Responses to Critical Incidents (From Understanding and Responding to the Terrorism Phenomenon: A Multi-Dimensional Perspective, P 272-282, 2007, Ozgur Nikbay and Suleyman Hancerli, eds. -- See NCJ-225118)

• NCJ Number: 225141
• Author(s): Tomas C. Mijares Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2007
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: IOS Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

Based on a literature review and its integration with a review of current terrorist activity, this paper argues that terrorist activity produces effects upon public safety agencies that are similar to those produced by other critical incidents considered to be less important than terrorism.

Abstract

In many respects, public safety agencies’ response to a terrorist attack is similar to their response to any other life-threatening call for police services. Criminals, whatever their motivation, can be as persistent as terrorists in pursuing their criminal objectives, as they constantly change their tactics, techniques, and technology in order to improve the effectiveness and profitability of their criminal enterprises. Just as the police and governments in general are constantly tailoring their laws and crime-fighting methods to counter the various criminal methods being used to victimize the public, so methods for fighting terrorism must be tailored to the tactics terrorists use to victimize people. The resources currently available to assist police in preventing and responding to various types of crime can also be used to prepare law enforcement agencies to prevent and counter terrorist criminal enterprises. For example, professional organizations such as the National Tactical Officers Association and several other national and State associations of police specialists provide research, training, organizational assessment, and technology evaluation for police agencies. These associations not only provide annual conferences and training programs, but also provide a networking system for exchanging information regarding recent case histories, common criminal foes, tactics that have worked, and pitfalls to avoid. Also, the technology and equipment developed for routine police work, which responds to the needs of current police demands, can also be responsive to law enforcement needs occasioned by terrorist threats and counterterrorism tactical needs. 13 references