Unit VIII Research PaperIn the fourth stage of your research paper, you will submit your final draft. Recall that your paper should consist of the following five sections: Introduction of your topic t

Anti-Terrorism Enforcement

Columbia University

Anti-Terrorism Enforcement

On September 11, 2001, more than 3000 civilians perished in one of the most horrific events in history. Since that day, the roles of those who work in every federal, state and local law enforcement agency changed dramatically (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015). A week after the attacks, Attorney General John Ashcroft made it clear to law enforcement that their priorities going forward were to identify terrorism and the necessary steps to eradicate it at all costs (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015). He also ensured that every United States attorney had an “Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council” (ATAC) in place that could execute three steps if terrorism actions are underway (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015).

The first task of the ATAC’s was to ensure that law enforcement personnel were adequately in possession of the necessary tools to prevent future terrorist acts (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015). Secondly, they were responsible for ensuring that proper technology was available so that public and private agencies could share information that could prevent terrorism (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015). Lastly, the ATAC’s had to make sure that they had a plan of action ready if there was to be another terrorist attack (“Anti-Terrorism,” 2015). The fight against terrorism occurs not only on a federal and state level but also on a private citizen level.

When it comes to how law enforcement shares information regarding terrorist activity, it’s a multifaceted process that spans across all government levels (“Law Enforcement Information Sharing,” n.d.). The most fundamental part of the information sharing system is that data is delivered in a secure and prompt manner (“Law Enforcement Information Sharing,” n.d.). The “Information Sharing Environment” (ISE) is capable of storing criminal history records, law enforcement incident reports, judicial decisions and action reports and suspected terrorist watch lists (“Law Enforcement Information Sharing,” n.d.).

The office of anti-terrorism assistance (ATA) teaches the anti-terrorism assistance program (“Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program,” n.d.). In the ATA program, both law enforcement personnel and civilian security receive training that teaches them how to combat terrorism. The purpose of the program is to train bomb detection, crime scene investigation, airport and building security, maritime safety and VIP protection (“Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program,” n.d.). Since the program’s introduction in 1983, more than 84,000 foreign security agents have been trained in various security tactics (“Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program,” n.d.). Upon program completion, these officials are better prepared to identify terrorism, prevent it and protect American citizens all at once (“Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program,” n.d.).

In conclusion, September 11th affected the lives of many people. Thousands of people lost their life, and their loved ones were left to pick up the pieces and carry on. Additionally, the lives of our law enforcement officials would never be the same. Many changes occurred that would ensure the safety of American citizens here on our soil and abroad. The steps that were put in place during the Bush administration up until now and beyond all have a common goal; to combat terrorism and get rid of it before any American citizens lives are in danger. Protecting the homeland is a big job, and if we all lend a helping hand to our law enforcement, things could work out for the betterment of all.

References

Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program. Retrieved January 20, 2018, from U.S. Department of State, https://www.state.gov/m/ds/terrorism/c8583.htm

Anti-Terrorism. (2015, January 27). Retrieved January 20, 2018, from United States Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/anti-terrorism

Law Enforcement Information Sharing. Retrieved January 20, 2018, from Information Sharing Environment, https://www.ise.gov/law-enforcement-information-sharing