Policy Options in Offshore Crisis Situations - A Case Study

• NCJ Number: 98812
• Author(s): A E Brody; R T Castonguay; P E Versaw
• Date Published: 1983
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Executive Seminar In National and International Affairs, Twenty-Fifth Session, 1982-83.

Annotation

Concern over the possibility of a terrorist incident against an offshore oil platform or vessel and confusion about options for action in such an incident resulted in an interagency study regarding options for governmental actions.

Abstract

Document reviews, site visits to offshore platforms, and interviews with industry representatives and governmental officials revealed that ample legal authority exists for action by local, State, or Federal officials to resolve offshore crisis situations. The FBI and the United States Coast Guard are the Federal agencies responsible for the initial response to maritime terrorist incidents within the coastal waters of the United States. Memoranda of understanding between these agencies delineate their respective responsibilities. Military force can also be used if circumstances justify it. State, local, and industry officials should receive briefings on the desirability of using civilian law enforcement resources to deal with maritime terrorist incidents. Footnotes, 15 references, and list of people interviewed.