| Empowering local law enforcement officers to encounter crime through the examination between terrorist groups and organized crime syndicates could solve many mysteries about the best ways to suppress crime and protect society. Since local law enforcement officer are the first responders that represent the government and work within the local communities and on the streets, then, providing the right education and training will help them in their mission to serve and protect the public.;The purpose of this study is threefold. First, this study examines the differing perceptions and perspectives of law enforcement officers' on the extent to which organized crime groups and terrorists are involved in criminal behavior. Second, this study proposes the type of training and knowledge needed by law enforcement officers to confront the ever-growing threat from the alliance between organized crime and terrorism. Third, this study helps decision-making personnel who direct law enforcement efforts to enhance the ways to tackle the wars on organized crime and terrorism.;A descriptive research design was used in this study and a sample of 150 local law enforcement officers who were active peace officers in the State of Texas, Greater Houston Area were randomly selected. The Husseini Local Law Enforcement Officers' Perceptions on the Links Between Organized Crime and Terrorism Questionnaire (HLLEOPLBOCTQ) was used to gather information from participants. The research instrument was found to have high content reliability. Internal reliability coefficient of .728 calculated for the pilot group test.;It was concluded from this study that in general, Uniformed Patrol and Criminal Investigation Units officers are not significantly affiliated with countering terrorism or Organized Crime activities.;It appeared that White local law enforcement officers are more likely to be involved with Organized Crime and terrorism investigations than their minority colleagues.;Furthermore, female local law enforcement officers are more concerned and more convinced that Organized Crime is prevalent than their male counterparts. It appeared that most local law enforcement officers had not received proper training to identify and investigate Organized Crime and terrorist activities. |
