Counter Terrorism Project

[GrndPnd0311]

I am currently working on a paper here at the University of Maryland for my Studies of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism program, which is a Department of Homeland Security center of excellence. In my paper I am trying to highlight how important a role local and state law enforcement play in combating terrorism. The Manhattan Institute calls the LE community "first preventers" which I believe to be the truth. LAPD and other LE entities in and around California are playing a pivotal role in thwarting terrorist threats on a daily basis. I have a certain bias towards the LA area because I am hoping to join the team in the near future, so I would really like to bring it to the forefront in my paper. I am looking for a few LE officials who wouldn’t mind answering non classified questions to add to my paper. I am a former infantry Marine Sgt. so I am not going to ask any of those bone head naive college kid "Have you shot anyone?" type questions, I just want to put actual real life police officer perspectives in my paper other than just have paralysis by analysis scholarly journals as my only resource.

PM me if interested.

[L8SHIFT]

Ask in this open fourm because some may learn from your questions...

[GrndPnd0311]

Ask in this open fourm because some may learn from your questions...

I can do that too. Its all up to the person answering the questions.:cool:

[L8SHIFT]

Go ahead..

[GrndPnd0311]

Here are a few, but others may arise with the responses:

How do you think LE has changed since 9/11?

After Sept 11th, how did your department change?

What steps have been taken to try to thwart terrorist attacks in your area?
NYPD has taken a proactive approach in the War on Terror. They have sent liaisons abroad to gather intel as well as train with other countries (Israel, etc.) Do you see all major departments doing this? Why or why not?

NYPD has also established a deterrence unit dubbed Hercules teams. Do you believe this should be employed across the LE community in major cities? Why or why not?

There are programs being developed to cooperate with local businesses who could possibly be susceptible to terrorist organizations buying products for illicit means. Does your department try to do this? Do you believe it to be effective?

How do you recommend LE agents reach out to the communities who might have radicals within? There are many things that go along with this question. Terrorist organizations rely on public support for their existence. How do we take this element away from them within these communities? How do we appeal to the moderates who might think of joining these radical groups? Many are scared to share information within some of these communities because of the fear of either revenge, being ostracized, or being deported. How do we bridge that gap?

What programs, tactics, and strategies have you seen or employed that are effective?

Most of our efforts in CT is focused on radical Islamic terrorism. Due to this, Islamic people tend to feel like they are being singled out because of a small percentage of radicals. How can the LE community assure followers of Islam that they are not being singled out? Is there a way to use these citizens in a productive manner?

[L8SHIFT]

Taking sip of water....;)

[GrndPnd0311]

No problem sir! I have a few weeks until this project is due.:cool:

[L8SHIFT]

How do you think LE has changed since 9/11?

Most larger cities became more proactive in regards to addressing the issues of terrorism.

After Sept 11th, how did your department change?

My department began sending field personnel through WMD (weapons of mass destruction classes). These classes familiarize personnel with the use of protective gear, the effects of airborne agents, and the real “non movie” effects of explosives. We also have additional Terrorism classes ongoing.

What steps have been taken to try to thwart terrorist attacks in your area?
NYPD has taken a proactive approach in the War on Terror. They have sent liaisons abroad to gather intel as well as train with other countries (Israel, etc.) Do you see all major departments doing this? Why or why not?

I cant discuss all of the steps being taken however I do see LAPD and LASD taking measures to proactively detect and deter acts of terrorism. Both have sent liaisons to Israel who has some of the best at detecting suicide bombers.

NYPD has also established a deterrence unit dubbed Hercules teams. Do you believe this should be employed across the LE community in major cities? Why or why not?

Yes, TEW (LASD) and Archangel (LAPD) perform the same task as NYPD. These teams are very effective in surveillance and assessing the vulnerabilities of major structures and venues. They assist private businesses in better protecting their assets and customers. They can play a major part in any city because some terrorists have been located in smaller cities within our county.

There are programs being developed to cooperate with local businesses who could possibly be susceptible to terrorist organizations buying products for illicit means. Does your department try to do this? Do you believe it to be effective?

I don’t have personal knowledge in detail regarding this however I do know that our Arson/Explosives staff monitor the explosives industry. I believe this if very effective because when tracking the movement of these materials you can better see when something is out of the ordinary.

[L8SHIFT]

How do you recommend LE agents reach out to the communities who might have radicals within? There are many things that go along with this question. Terrorist organizations rely on public support for their existence. How do we take this element away from them within these communities? How do we appeal to the moderates who might think of joining these radical groups? Many are scared to share information within some of these communities because of the fear of either revenge, being ostracized, or being deported. How do we bridge that gap?

The special teams are addressing this. Task force team members can better address the methods being used. I don’t want to say anything that may compromise their efforts. You bring up valid points some are very sensitive.

What programs, tactics, and strategies have you seen or employed that are effective?

Random weapons screenings at public venues such as transportation hubs are an effective deterrent. The use of explosive detection canines in public transportation areas such as airports and train stations has increased dramatically since 9-11. TSA and the Office of Homeland Security are playing a major role in assisting local law enforcement agencies with training in the recognition of pre incident warning signs.

Most of our efforts in CT is focused on radical Islamic terrorism. Due to this, Islamic people tend to feel like they are being singled out because of a small percentage of radicals. How can the LE community assure followers of Islam that they are not being singled out? Is there a way to use these citizens in a productive manner?

The best way to address this issue is to show the Islamic community how informed we actually are in regards to the differences in religion, nationality and militant groups. Communicating with members of this community is the only way that we will gather true understanding of what we are dealing with. They also provide excellent intelligence information into the activities of those who want to harm others.

[GrndPnd0311]

Thank you for all of those answers... I might have a few follow on questions but this weekend is a little busy for me. But I appreciate all the help!