Community policing and terrorism do have a significant link in terms of allowing for the flow of information to occur. Police organizations can establish relationships and trust with community members and business owners to join in collaborative efforts to fight terrorism by sharing information. Terrorists do seek various ways to blend in with the community while making purchases of unsuspecting items and materials and making requests for permits or use of various facilities.
For this IP, you will have the choice of addressing ONE of two significant events described below. Choose an event and write a paper according to the assignment guidelines below.
Event 1
Recall the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City as an example; the bomb that exploded contained various common materials, one being fertilizer.
Watch the following video to learn more about the Oklahoma City bombing:
Oklahoma City Bombing Video
Event 2
Call to mind the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. The community assisted in the apprehension of one of the suspects. Social media factored into the investigation.
Watch the following video to learn more about the Boston Marathon bombing:
Boston Marathon Bombing Video
Address the following in 3–5 pages:
What types of businesses could be considered prime targets for terrorists to seek information, purchase items and supplies, or make requests for special permits or use of facilities? Explain.
How can these businesses be monitored by local law enforcement without infringing on civil liberties? Explain.
If business owners and community members become suspicious of unusual activities or requests, what should they do? Explain.
What types of strategies and programs should be implemented that will facilitate community members’ abilities to alert law enforcement agencies of suspicious activity? Explain.
What type of community-oriented policing program would allow for businesses and community members to share information with the police department if and when they suspect possible terrorist activities? Explain.
How can community members and business owners be effectively incorporated into successful community watch campaigns regarding terrorist activity? Explain.
How would the use of information technology allow for the flow of information to occur between the police department, business owners, and community members? Explain.