U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Spotlight on the Threat of Domestic Terrorism

NCJ Number
176766
Journal
Crime Prevention and Community Safety: An International Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 25-36
Author(s)
M Begert
Date Published
1998
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Domestic terrorism is increasing in its sophistication and requires police agencies to be proactive to divert the target or to interrupt the terrorist cycle of casing, planning, rehearsal, and execution.
Abstract
The approximately 400 international terrorist groups capable of carrying out attacks against United States citizens and facilities include about 200 domestic terrorism groups. The targets of domestic terrorism are people, infrastructure, and normal activity. Weapons range from bombs and explosives to attacks on computers or computer networks to the use of weapons of mass destruction that can include nuclear material, chemical agents, or biological agents. State and local agencies use a broader working definition of terrorism than does the Federal Bureau of Investigation. At least three dozen weapons and techniques are typically available to the terrorist. First responders should use care in dealing with a call that might be a terrorist incident; their goal is to secure the scene and keep the public and public safety workers safe. The Federal government is trying to develop a capability to deal with three specific threats: (1) disruption of crucial infrastructure, (2) attacks on computer networks and cyberspace threats, and (3) the use of weapons of mass destruction. Any preparation, first response, and management of immediate consequences will be the responsibility of local authorities. Training of first responders is vital; the focus of effort at the local, State, and regional levels clearly must be on preparation and training to respond quickly, appropriately, and safely.