NCJ Number
112159
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1988) Pages: 40-48
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This first of three parts examines the terrorist threat and law enforcement response to it.
Abstract
Terrorism is likely to continue to be a prominent factor on the international political landscape for the rest of the century because of competitive arms sales, media attention, easier travel, diminished border controls, and state involvement. In addition to the threat from domestic, international, and state-supported terrorist groups, narcoterrorism is becoming an increasing problem. A systematic and meticulously constructed network is being put together by law enforcement agencies to combat this threat. Three major Federal agencies counteract terrorism domestically and whenever U.S. citizens or interests are threatened abroad. The Federal Aviation Administration is charged with civil aviation security, including prevention of air piracy, sabotage, and other criminal acts against air transportation. It assists in drug interdiction and is involved in programs to promote airport, aircraft, equipment, and personnel security. The Department of State is the lead agency in incidents outside the United States. Primary responsibilities include security of diplomatic and consular facilities, cooperation with U.S. businesses abroad to enhance security, terrorism research and analysis, security and crisis management training for personnel overseas, and antiterrorism training for friendly governments. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has primary responsibility for domestic terrorism. It collects intelligence, investigates terrorist incidents, collects technical information on terrorism, and provides assistance to other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.