NCJ Number
193143
Date Published
April 2002
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report discusses how law enforcement can effectively prevent and respond to terrorism with examples presented from across the country, of the advances law enforcement agencies are making in practice and policy aiding police in conducting a security needs assessment and implementing systems and procedures.
Abstract
The responsibility of responding to threats of terrorism rests primarily with local law enforcement. Because of this, law enforcement must review their public security procedures and practices to utilize their resources to their full potential. To accomplish this, the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) has provided an avenue where types of resources for consideration could be discussed. The report highlights several efforts by local law enforcement agencies who have used COPS resources to strengthen their response to terrorism through: improving data and intelligence management and processing; increasing technological advancements; communicating and information sharing with other public safety agencies; training for an effective response; and reducing citizen fear and assisting potential victims. Law enforcement agencies represented included: Seattle Police Department, Chicago Police Department, Baltimore Police Department, Wichita State University Regional Community Policing Institute, San Francisco Police Department, Rochester Police Department, Austin Police Department, and the Broward County, Florida Sheriff’s Office. This report can aid in building up existing security measures, facilitating strategic improvements in intelligence gathering and sharing.