NCJ Number
53754
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 48 Issue: 1 Dated: (JANUARY 1979) Pages: 19-22
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S ANTITERRORISM CAPACITY IS PRESENTED IN EXCERPTS FROM TESTIMONY BY THE DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, BEFORE A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE.
Abstract
FEDERAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT JURISDICTION REGARDING ACTS CONSTITUTING TERRORISM IS REVIEWED BRIEFLY. THE RESPONSE, DETERRENCE, PREVENTION, AND PREDICTION COMPONENTS OF THE CARTER ADMINISTRATION'S ANTITERRORISM PROGRAM ARE NOTED, AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING THAT PROGRAM AMONG VARIOUS COMMITTEES, WORKING GROUPS, AND AGENCIES IS OUTLINED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION-GATHERING AND PREVENTIVE INVESTIGATION RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI) AND TO THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S GUIDELINES GOVERNING THE CONDUCT OF THESE ACTIVITIES. THE GUIDELINES ARE SAID TO ENSURE THAT THE FOCUS OF THE FBI'S ANTITERRORISM EFFORTS REMAINS ON VIOLENT AND CRIMINAL ACTIVITY AND NOT ON THE EXERCISE OF FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS. THE GUIDELINES ARE ALSO SAID TO REPRESENT AN EFFORT TO BALANCE CIVIL RIGHTS WITH THE NEED FOR A DEGREE OF FREEDOM IN INVESTIGATING TERRORIST-RELATED MATTERS. THE GOVERNMENT'S POSITION ON MEDIA COVERAGE OF CRISIS SITUATIONS, SUCH AS THE TAKING OF HOSTAGES BY TERRORISTS, IS REVIEWED. IT IS STRESSED THAT, WHILE THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT SEEK MEDIA COOPERATION REGARDING THE COVERAGE OF SUCH EVENTS, IT WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE RESTRICTIONS ON COVERAGE. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CAPABLE OF MEETING THE KINDS OF TERRORIST THREATS LIKELY TO OCCUR INSIDE THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT INFRINGING UPON THE CIVIL AND CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF CITIZENS. (LKM)