Impact of Terrorism on State Law Enforcement: Adjusting to New ROles and Changing Conditions

摘要

The catastrophic events of Sept. 11, 2001, served as a wake-up call to the nation regarding the threat of terrorism. Preventing future acts of terrorism and preparing for massive response operations became a national priority overnight for law enforcement at all levels, creating new responsibilities and new paradigms for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Changes quickly took place in the federal government, including the creation of the new Department of Homeland Security and shifting priorities within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal law enforcement agencies. At the state level, anecdotal evidence gathered soon after Sept. 11 indicated state police were engaging in many new homeland security roles, such as: coordinating homeland security at the state level; collecting, analyzing and sharing critical information and intelligence; protecting critical infrastructure and key assets; securing the nation's borders, air and sea ports; collaborating with federal and local law enforcement on task forces; and preparing for new response equipment, tactics, systems and training. In 2003, The Council of State Governments and Eastern Kentucky University set out to explore these new roles and changing conditions.