Terrorism Response Field Guide for Law Enforcement Spiral

Terrorism and tactical violence incidents are first and foremost a crime. This means that law enforcement agencies are directly involved in every aspect of the terrorism response continuum. Law enforcement has the responsibility of crisis management (use of intelligence information and planning to prevent/interdict terrorism) and consequence management (emergency measures during an evolving terrorism/tactical violence incident). In essence, law enforcement is usually the first agency to arrive at a terrorism incident and the last agency to leave. Investigations and evidence collection can take several months (or years). The judicial trial and appeals process may require another half decade of effort before the "case is finally closed." Terrorism and tactical violence incidents present a myriad of challenges for the law enforcement officer. First, officers will confront a violent, dangerous, and unstable scene that can kill them. Secondly, officers may face new chemical, biological, and radioactive threats with little (or no) protective equipment or training. Lastly, a successful attack will result in mass casualties and multiple fatalities. This requires that officers provide adequate support to EMS, fire/rescue agencies, public health, and hospitals. The purpose of this pocket guide is to provide a quick reference of law enforcement consequence management responsibilities during a terrorist attack. Most importantly, it is a safety guide to help officers survive. Paul M. Maniscalco Hank ChristenManiscalco, Paul M. is the author of 'Terrorism Response Field Guide for Law Enforcement Spiral', published 2003 under ISBN 9780131796348 and ISBN 0131796348.