Law enforcement first responders and terrorism: An international comparison of needs and capability requirements

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the needs and capabilities of law enforcement first responders in light of the emerging threat of terrorism in the post September 11, 2001, era. The first part of the study consisted of a review of United States national policy defining the role and expectations for law enforcement first responders in the war on terrorism. The second part consisted of case studies of 4 foreign law enforcement agencies that historically have engaged in counterterrorism operations to a greater extent than the United States. Each agency was analyzed with respect to areas such as the terrorist threat, technical capabilities, intelligence model and community orientation and conflict management models. This study produced a set of recommendations that suggest how U.S. law enforcement should prepare to confront the terrorist threat.