Combating Terrorism
Introduction In an effort to combat terrorism more effectively as a law enforcement agency, the agency should look at strengthening cooperation between the organizations responsible for combating terrorism, such as the FBI, CIA, INA, all police agencies, and even politicians have a role to play in combating terrorism.
Agency Roles
The police can conduct criminal investigations, arrest suspects, and bring them to trial. They also may try to insert spies into terrorist groups. In some countries police can arrest suspected terrorists without specific charges, simply confining suspects in jail. They can also place limits on civil liberties, such as preventing citizens from moving around freely. The police can also mount guards around government buildings or other likely targets. Immigration authorities can prevent all immigration or exert strong controls to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the country. Politicians can offer terrorist groups political concessions—compromises such as self-rule for ethnic minorities, for example—or a general pardon in exchange for stopping future attacks. Alternatively, politicians can grant some of the demands made by the terrorists ' political opponents and thus drive a wedge between terrorists and the people they claim to represent.
Possible Changes Command, control, and communications would be areas to look at for improvement. Site hardening and security (protecting buildings, facilities, and outdoor events from terrorist attacks and reducing site vulnerability to attack and damage) would be another area to look at. Defending against cyber terrorism--attacks using computers or computer networks would be imperative to protect sensitive information. Training in apprehending and disarming terrorists would be a possible change. Increased knowledge in forensics and investigations could be implemented. Public information can be an important tool because it provides extra sets of eyes in places law enforcement cannot be
Agency Roles
The police can conduct criminal investigations, arrest suspects, and bring them to trial. They also may try to insert spies into terrorist groups. In some countries police can arrest suspected terrorists without specific charges, simply confining suspects in jail. They can also place limits on civil liberties, such as preventing citizens from moving around freely. The police can also mount guards around government buildings or other likely targets. Immigration authorities can prevent all immigration or exert strong controls to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the country. Politicians can offer terrorist groups political concessions—compromises such as self-rule for ethnic minorities, for example—or a general pardon in exchange for stopping future attacks. Alternatively, politicians can grant some of the demands made by the terrorists ' political opponents and thus drive a wedge between terrorists and the people they claim to represent.
Possible Changes Command, control, and communications would be areas to look at for improvement. Site hardening and security (protecting buildings, facilities, and outdoor events from terrorist attacks and reducing site vulnerability to attack and damage) would be another area to look at. Defending against cyber terrorism--attacks using computers or computer networks would be imperative to protect sensitive information. Training in apprehending and disarming terrorists would be a possible change. Increased knowledge in forensics and investigations could be implemented. Public information can be an important tool because it provides extra sets of eyes in places law enforcement cannot be
References: Department of Justice. (1999). Inventory of state and local law enforcement technology needs to combat terrorism. Retrieved July 26, 2009, from http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Jan/1/130563.html Hanes, Sharon M. (2003). Combating terrorism. Retrieved July 25, 2009, from http://www.acquirecontent.com/titles/terrorism-reference-libraryalmanac#B_3426400011 | | |