Tunnel Rats and Urban Explorers: Vulnerability Post 9-11

• NCJ Number: 195900
• Journal: Campus Law Enforcement Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2002 Pages: 13-17
• Author(s): Bruce A. Lewis; Mike Cherry
• Editor(s): Karen E. Breseman
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents the events that occurred at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the threat posed by urban terrorist Joseph Daniel Konopka in an attempt to cripple both the campus’s and the CTA’s critical underground infrastructure and the cooperative response efforts by Federal, local, and university officers.

Abstract

Since the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, the vulnerability of critical underground or tunnel infrastructure has become the focus of many public safety agencies. This article focused specifically on events that occurred at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) in relation to urban terrorist, Joseph Daniel Konopka. The article provides an understanding of the potential risk posed by tunnel rats and urban explorers in placing institutions, transportation systems, and the public in danger and the measures taken through the cooperative efforts of Federal, local and university law enforcement agencies. University utility tunnels and underground subway tunnels have now become potential and attractive targets for more than curious students mapping steam or utility tunnels to access classrooms but for urban terrorists attempting to cripple or destroy educational institutions or major transportation systems. Joseph Daniel Konopka, a known urban terrorist along with his anarchist group, the Realm of Chaos, was sought and captured for his efforts to damage UIC’s underground infrastructure such as the steam tunnels, as well as being suspected of storing explosives and cyanide throughout the CTA subway tunnels. The UIC Police Department in cooperation with the FBI and local law enforcement assessed the threat and responded with successful results. The UIC law enforcement has adopted a three-pronged approach: personnel, technology, and education. Responses to tunnel alarms now include: preventive patrols, upgrades and improvements to alarms, cameras, and sensors; other devices are planned, as well as reinforcing training outreach.