Strategies to Integrate America's Local Police Agencies into Domestic Counterterrorism

Abstract

Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number.

The Importance of Establishing a New Counterterrorism Unit at Local Level: Combining Different Perspectives in Policing

“…Since local police officers know the area and the people living within their jurisdiction better, they have more opportunity than federal agents to observe and arrest terrorists. Even in a traffic control, a patrol officer can detect suspicious activities and persons (Alexander, 2005 (Hill, 2002: 24). Therefore, a new unit should be established to work with federal agencies.…”

“…For example, they can inform local police officers if they observe any suspicious activity. Therefore, local police should inform the public about the possible danger of terrorist attacks, how they can help local police, and about their new department (Alexander, 2005). The second aspect is in having good relationships with minorities, religious groups, and political parties.…”

“…This is based on the fact that these units can fully control their jurisdictions. Thus, they share information with new terrorism unit if their supports are gained (Alexander, 2005).…”