NCJ Number
217945
Journal
Journal of Security Education Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 61-64
Date Published
2006
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This introductory article provides an overview of selected papers presented at a 2005 conference whose theme was "Conversation in the Disciplines: Scholarship in Homeland Security."
Abstract
One paper addresses research on terrorist networks. It suggests that research investigate how a terrorist group's network composition can be used against it in counterterrorist tactics. Another paper reexamines terrorism from the perspective of a social psychologist. It suggests that over the long term terrorism reduction will depend on efforts in achieving cultural reconciliation. For the short term, multidisciplinary insight into the dynamics of terrorism is required in order to disrupt it. A third paper addresses the globalization of crime alongside the internationalization of terrorism. Research is suggested for better policing on a global scale. Recognizing that natural disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks cause harm through damage to buildings and transportation vehicles, a paper reviews the literature on building codes. Another paper related to security for buildings and their inhabitants focuses on the evacuation of disabled persons during severe building damage. A paper on the vulnerabilities of public transit systems to terrorist attacks summarizes the threats the United States faces and suggests pertinent research directions. A paper on urban health emergencies addresses such issues as symptom surveillance, rapid investigation, disease containment, and drug stock piles. Another paper on urban disasters focuses on planning for long-term postdisaster recovery. Two other papers examine planning and decisionmaking that takes into account complex uncertainties before and during disasters. This introductory article concludes with recommendations for educational reforms pertinent to homeland security.