NCJ Number
105969
Journal
Security Volume: 24 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 63-67
Date Published
1987
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The U.S. State Department established the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) in 1985 to act as a security information clearinghouse between U.S. public and private interests abroad. This article describes the composition and work of the OSAC to date.
Abstract
OSAC is a response to the expansion of U.S. export markets overseas and the threat of terrorism against American institutions and citizens abroad. The OSAC was established to provide a regular exchange of information between the State Department's security enterprise and the U.S. private sector abroad, thus better preparing businesses to meet security challenges. The council is limited to 25 member companies, which appoint representatives upon invitation by the State Department. Three major recommendations resulted from the council's first meeting. OSAC recommended the establishment of a unit within the department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security to facility a security liaison between the department and the private sector. A second recommendation called for the development and dissemination of guidelines for businesses in addressing terrorism. A third recommendation was the creation of a computerized directory of unclassified names and telephone numbers of key agencies and agency personnel along with summaries of recent terrorist episodes. Publicizing the OSAC and encouraging participation throughout the U.S. business community has been one of the council's most challenging initial tasks. OSAC member roster.