NCJ Number
200117
Date Published
April 2001
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This document discusses the current legislation and policies of the military’s role in supporting law enforcement during a domestic terrorism crisis.
Abstract
Crisis management is primarily a law enforcement function in managing the resources necessary to prevent or resolve a terrorist incident, including one involving weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Presidential directives contain government terrorism response policy and address National Security Council structure and Federal agency crisis response roles when responding to a domestic terrorism incident. The Department of Defense (DOD), along with many Federal agencies, is available to assist the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) in dealing with a terrorist threat or in the resolution of an actual terrorist incident. The DOD has developed and maintains plans and capabilities to respond to threats or acts of terrorism, including those involving the use of nuclear, biological, or chemical weapons. The DOD may be called upon to assist in different ways ranging from interdiction of the terrorists to the loaning of specialized equipment for use by law enforcement agencies. The DOD has published specific policy for assistance to civil law enforcement officials in emergencies involving terrorism and WMD. In the growing policy debate regarding terrorism policy, some experts say the best methods to ensure success against domestic terrorism are to more effectively employ DOD capabilities and create an entirely new agency with responsibility for homeland defense. Newly proposed congressional oversight roles are seen as an important factor in a more effective response to domestic terrorism in the United States. 3 figures, 53 footnotes