NCJ Number
189858
Date Published
2000
Length
45 pages
Annotation
This document provides the results of the National Commission on Terrorism’s evaluation of laws, policies, and practices for preventing and punishing terrorism directed at American citizens.
Abstract
The Commission concluded that, although strategies and policies are basically on the right track, significant aspects of implementation are seriously deficient. International terrorism poses an increasingly dangerous and difficult threat to the country. Countering the growing danger requires stepping up efforts. Priority one is to prevent terrorist attacks. United States (U.S.) intelligence and law enforcement communities must use the full scope of their authority to collect intelligence regarding terrorist plans and methods. U.S. policies must firmly target all states that support terrorists. Private sources of financial and logistical support for terrorists must be subjected to the full force and sweep of U.S. and international laws. A terrorist attack involving a biological agent, deadly chemicals, or nuclear or radiological material, even if it succeeds only partially, could profoundly affect the entire Nation. The government must do more to prepare for such an event. Recommendations include detailed plans for the role of the Department of Defense; annual national exercises to test capabilities of senior officials of all government agencies; and establishment of a comprehensive and coordinated long-term research and development program. The President and Congress should reform the system for reviewing and funding departmental counterterrorism programs to ensure that the activities and programs of various agencies are part of a comprehensive plan.