Criminal Justice and Behavior current issue

Introduction to the Special Issue on Policing and Homeland Security

Shernock, S. K. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST

The Israeli Model for Policing Terrorism: Goals, Strategies, and Open Questions

Weisburd, D., Jonathan, T., Perry, S. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST

To date, there are few descriptions of possible policing models for responding to terrorism and enhancing homeland security. This article reviews the Israeli model for policing terrorism, presenting an initial description of its three broad tasks as defined by the Israeli police: first, the early prevention, interdiction, and treatment of sources of terrorism; second, the response activities once the attack has been launched; and, third, the response activities once the attack has occurred. These tasks are developed in the context of an overarching goal of allowing Israeli citizens to continue with their normal routines despite terrorist threats. The authors raise a series of questions that they view as being critical for developing a broader understanding of the potential benefits, as well as dangers, of general service police agencies taking a more significant role in counterterrorism and homeland security functions.

Policing Terrorism in Israel

Perliger, A., Hasisi, B., Pedahzur, A. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST

This article challenges the approach that supports the efficiency of the war model in combating terrorism and shows, by drawing on empirical support, the advantages of using the criminal justice model not only because of its response to the legal—moral issue but also because of its effectiveness. A conceptualization of the term policing terrorism is presented through a general model that defines the role of the police in combating terrorism within a democracy. By analyzing how this model is implemented in Israel, the article illustrates that police forces are preferable to military ones in three main realms: counterterrorism intelligence, thwarting of terrorist attacks, and restoration of civilian infrastructure after a terrorist attack.

Law Enforcement Training and the Domestic Far Right

Chermak, S. M., Freilich, J. D., Shemtob, Z. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST

This article examines issues related to training as it pertains to domestic terrorism in general and responding to far-right extremists in particular. First, it hightlights current training practices and training focused on the far right. Second, it details knowledge about the nature and extent of the threat posed by far-right extremists. Third, a review of the empirical research indicates that training could be enhanced if three key issues are emphasized: Future training should promote a better understanding of the contours of the far right; discuss the unique geographic, crime-incident, and structural characteristics of the far right; and describe the need to examine all ideologically motivated crimes, regardless of whether they are also defined as terrorist. The conclusion discusses how training could be enhanced by strategically integrating the existing knowledge base.

The Intelligence Fusion Process for State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement

Carter, D. L., Carter, J. G. — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST

Intelligence fusion centers have grown rapidly in the last few years as state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies have attempted to find the best way to share information about threats to their communities. The Department of Homeland Security and the Information Sharing Environment of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence embraced fusion centers as being an important mechanism to aid them in their missions to share terrorism information among law enforcement, the private sector, and the intelligence community. The development and management of fusion centers have received significant guidance from the Justice Department, via the Global Intelligence Working Group, by developing standards for structure and processes. Critics, however, are concerned that the centers have inadequate protections for privacy and civil rights. This article examines issues in the development of fusion centers and provides an examination of the support for and criticisms of such agencies.

List of Reviewers for Manuscripts Received in 2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:11:55 PST