In the recent past, there has been a surge in incidences of terrorism in the United States. Notably, these attacks are only an aggravation of acts of terrorism that started many years ago. For instance, the famed 9/11 attack marked a substantial leap in a trend towards destructive terrorist assaults, and other perceptible incidences of terrorism occurred in the 1980s (Hsu & McDowall, 2017). Following the surge in terrorist activities, law enforcement agencies have put in place various strategies to counter-terrorism. In the United States, Public sector entities and the military are tasked with the responsibility of planning and developing responses to terrorist attacks (Hsu & McDowall, 2017). This paper elucidates the actions taken by the military and public sector entities to respond to terrorist attacks.
Principally, the military has taken full control of homeland security as a means of providing unceasing support to the threat of global terrorism. Militarization of antiterrorism efforts is aimed at providing the necessary firepower and finesse that is required to thwart the activities of terrorists. Admittedly, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is one of the police divisions that are known for using a militarized approach to curb terrorism. According to McIlhatton et al. (2020), after the September 11 attacks, the NYPD intervened swiftly to develop strategies aimed at combatting the threat of terrorism in the future. Ideally, civilian police leveraged the tenets of militarism to achieve a heightened collaboration and achieve collective problem-solving. Notably, the NYPD worked together with other agencies to address the issue of widespread terrorism where borders do not limit the assaults. Therefore, federal, state, and local agencies of different jurisdictions must work together towards the achievement of a similar objective. Public sector entities are always at the forefront when it comes to implementing efforts aimed at thwarting terrorism activities.
One of these entities is the Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTF). The JTTF is jointly led by the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The multi-agency body is always at the forefront of ensuring that the country is free from terrorist attacks at domestic and international levels. Currently, the JTTF team comprises special agents, analyst agencies, and other highly trained investigators (Hsu & McDowall, 2017). Notably, the squad unites different law enforcement departments to ensure successful service delivery.
Different subunits work under the JTTF, including the NYPD shield, which forms a backbone of counter-terrorism initiatives in New York. This program is implicit in several reform initiatives pertaining to counter-terrorism. It is based on a partnership that aims at providing the best practices and training opportunities. The authority also partners with private surety managers to protect U.S cities from terrorist attacks. One of the measures that this authority has taken to help combat terrorism is the installation of radiation detection equipment at all crucial points (McIlhatton et al., 2020). Additionally, the police department conducts regular multi-agency checks on critical entry points such as sea bridges and channels.
On the underscore, the NYPD leverages its counter-terrorism (CT) bureau to mitigate the threat of terrorism. The agency comprises a team of committed and experienced counter-terrorism officers. This team is known as the Critical Response Command (CRC). It is highly equipped and always prepared to respond to attacks that occur in any part of the country. Every group member of the CRC is well trained in handling military weapons. Arguably, the CT bureau conducts reviews of possible terrorist targets. It consequently develops innovative and forward-thinking policies and procedures that are useful in guiding against attacks. Additionally, the bureau trains first responders and specialized units on how to handle terrorist attacks.
Moreover, the bureau works in liaison with other law enforcement agencies in gathering intelligence and sharing information. The team saturates designated locations with a great presence aimed at disrupting and deterring terrorist plans. In essence, the CT bureau plays a significant role in the JTTF. On the underscore, the bomb squad also plays a critical role in helping to thwart terrorism. It is tasked with the responsibility of investigating and mitigating suspicious devices and packages left unattended in parts of the city (Stewart, 2019). Members of this squad liaise with other units to identify and collect forensic evidence that is helpful in investigations.
In essence, there are diverse methods that U.S. states leverage to address the threat of terrorism. Working closely with all related agencies is a great approach that state agencies use in their counter-terrorism efforts. Collaboration with different law enforcement units helps to develop and effect fast responses to terrorist threats within any locality. Admittedly, organized institutions and public entities play a critical role in protecting citizens from terrorist attacks. With the recent surge in terrorist assaults in other parts of the world, there is a need to implement steady responses to the threats. Other nations across the world must emulate the example of U.S based public entities and law enforcement agencies in their fight against terrorism. This move will ultimately guarantee a successful outcome in their regions.
References
Hsu, H. Y., & McDowall, D. (2017). Does target-hardening result in deadlier terrorist attacks against protected targets? An examination of unintended harmful consequences. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 54(6), 930-957. Web.
McIlhatton, D., Berry, J., Chapman, D., Christensen, P. H., Cuddihy, J., Monaghan, R., & Range, D. (2020). Protecting crowded places from terrorism: An analysis of the current considerations and barriers inhibiting the adoption of counterterrorism protective security measures. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 43(9), 753-774. Web.
Stewart, L. (2019). Big data discrimination: Maintaining protection of individual privacy without disincentivizing businesses’ use of biometric data to enhance security. Boston College Law Review, 60(1), 349. Web.