Exploring the Concept of Dedicating a Law Enforcement Agency Exclusively to Antiterrorism

Although there are a myriad of federal law enforcement agencies that are assigned to and partner with the Department of Homeland Security, no law enforcement agency is exclusively dedicated to the task of fighting terrorism. The research objective of this empirical phenomenological study was to explore the concept of establishing a federal law enforcement agency that is exclusively dedicated to fighting terrorism and to determine its possible effectiveness for use in mitigating terrorism. In 2002 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established as the government's lead antiterrorism agency. However, despite the significant numbers of law enforcement agencies that assist the Department of Homeland Security, gaps in counterterrorism services remain and large numbers of suspected terrorists were not prosecuted. Over a period of nine years (January 2002 to February 2011), out of approximately 800 enemy combatants (suspected terrorists) who were detained at Guantanamo Bay only six suspected terrorists were convicted. The low conviction rate suggests there are gaps in service from existing agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and State Department. The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative research was to determine if the DHS needs a law enforcement agency that is exclusively dedicated to investigating, apprehending, and convicting those who participate in terrorism against the United States. A qualitative approach was chosen to allow for the solicitation of responses from 17 professionals and experts in the field of antiterrorism to open-ended questions on this topic. Questions focused on law enforcement's role in the adjudication of suspected terrorists. This study explored supporting and contrasting views regarding the proposed agency. Compelling data and sentiments of professionals and experts in the field of antiterrorism support the establishment of a law enforcement agency or unit that is exclusively dedicated to antiterrorism. This study may help to identify gaps in counterterrorism services and fill a research gap involving law enforcement's role in antiterrorism.