Pulling one page out of a 160 page document, doesn't necessarily reflect the gist of the doc. The DoJ's Bureau of Justice Assistance and SLATT program have been pushing the domestic right wing terrorism threat as a primary focal point for several years. Polling CLEO's on what they think are the primary threats, isn't a scientific method of assessment. In many locations and specific venues, the actual threat of Islamic terrorism is extremely low. The issue is the unpredictable nature of radicalized Islamist elements in our society. Of course NY, Boston, etc. are prime targets, but who expects an Islamist to behead a coworker in a food processing plant in Oklahoma City? Statistically speaking, the death toll in OKC is significantly higher from right wing extremism than Islamic extremism. In NYC, it's the opposite. Spectacular single attacks have a way of skewing statistics thusly.The views expressed in Georgetown Security Studies Review do not necessarily represent
those of the editors or staff of GSSR, the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service,
or Georgetown University. The editorial board of GSSR and our affiliated peer reviewers
strive to verify the accuracy of all factual information contained in GSSR. However, the
staffs of GSSR, the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, and Georgetown
University make no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy
of information contained in GSSR, and they assume no legal liability or responsibility for
the content of any work contained therein.
The best approach is NOT to take a national study and apply it on a local level. The best approach is to forge robust partnerships with local, state and federal agencies on the local level, along with private industry and community partners who provide valuable local intel on the issues that each individual community faces. That's what the Urban Area Security Initiative was all about. It may have been defunded by DHS, but many communities have carried it forward on their own dime and initiatives. Ours has and I'd say it's a good thing.
Bookmarks