Preparation, Response, and Recovery during Domestic Terrorism - Essay Example

Preparation, Response, and Recovery during Domestic Terrorism Preparation, Response, and Recovery during Domestic Terrorism Terrorism has become one of the most unpopular global menaces affecting almost every continent in the world. Terrorism results in adverse effects such as a massive loss of lives, destruction of property, injuries, and emotional shock. Thus, the need to curb and eliminate terrorism from the society is fundamental and a necessity for most countries. The US is one of the countries have experienced the wrath and sour ramifications of terror attacks. As a result, the country has devised new ways to curb terror attacks, among other issues surrounding terrorism such as preparedness, responsiveness, and recovery especially in cases of domestic tourism. Methods such as adoption of relevant laws on terrorists, increased funding of security agencies, and proper guidelines to prepare and control bioterrorism are essential. The United States through the United States Border Patrol has prioritized border safety and defense against unauthorized persons in the country (Haddal, 2010). The primary mission of this government body is to protect the county and prevent entry of aliens from other countries. Through this organization, the country is assured of improved border security for the next five years. The government has tripled funding for border control operations. In addition, the authorities have increased the number of security agents to control the illegal immigration and protect the borders. The authorities through USBP increased the number of border security by over 20,000 agents by the end of 2009 (Steinmetz, 2009). The government’s decision to reinforce the most vulnerable areas has also helped to tighten the security. Furthermore, the use of vehicles, aircrafts, and watercraft to patrol the borders has enabled the security agents to see immigrants from afar and restrict their entry. Further, the adoption of similar immigration policies with neighbors Mexico and Canada has helped in controlling immigration and providing freedom for security forces. United States troops are at liberty to patrol 8000 miles of American international borders. All these measure have laid a foundation for efficient future border operations. Due to the increasing terror attacks across the world, it is only prudent and rational to adopt and use every available way to curb this issue. Every American citizen has a right to security, and it is the government’s obligation to put relevant and efficient safety measures in place. Use of the military is one of the best ways to curb and counter terrorism abroad and within the country (Thurston, 2007). As noted in the case of Canada, the civilian police were unable to suppress the action of terrorists completely on their own. Consequently, the integration of the Canadian army played a significant role in ending the terrorist operations in that country. Through their experience and techniques in handling terrorists, the army provided vital information for the police forces. Additionally, the army planted spies and agents in the terrorists’ major cells. The military forces play an integral role in providing guidance during such events. They also provide reinforcement of security and help the police in capturing and detaining terrorists. Equally important, according to Hall and Coyne (2009), military contributes to an enhanced domestic security by using improved military-related technologies to monitor and suppress terrorists’ activities. Besides, the US national civilians are highly vulnerable to the deliberate use of biological and chemical weapons by terrorists. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Department of Home Security (DHS) structured a strategic plan to curb such an incident in the event of its occurrence. The plan has majorly focused on the role the public health play in detecting and managing bioterrorism. The strategic plan advocates preparedness and prevention of bioterrorism attacks. The two bodies provide relevant and useful guidelines to major health centers in the country on the best ways to achieve this. Furthermore, the plan is essential as it ensures quick response to victims of the attack. CDC and DHS have developed relevant mechanism to detect and evaluate any suspicion of bioterrorism in the country (Koplan, 2001). Besides, the organizations create useful laboratories to diagnose and respond to chemical attacks. Ultimately, the plan requires adequate communication system during such period. Moreover, the program requires the medical practitioners to be up to date with emergency information in the event of bioterrorism. As a result of these precautions, the country has experienced decline in bioterrorism over the past 50 yrs. FEMA and FAA can work closely with DHS and TSA in air operations to quickly restore air transportation and evacuate terror attack victims to medical facilities and survivors to safer areas in the country. The FTA and FEMA can facilitate this process by offering critical air navigation services as well as providing emergency aircraft and airports needed to support the process. Additional, FAA can also relax the stringent rules on maximum flight hours for the crew to facilitate the rescue process. On the other hand, DHS can mandate the use of emergency services during this period. TSA on its part can provide enough security personnel during the evacuation process to oversee safety of the victims and survivors being airlifted to safe areas. The US patriotic act was created in the wake of terrorist attacks in New York City (Lohse, 2008). This law stands for uniting and securing America from terrorism and terrorists attacks. True to its meaning and purpose, the law has significantly reduced the number of terrorists and terrorist attacks in USA. This law makes it easier to disrupt financing of terrorism by some organizations in USA. Furthermore, the law permits the attorney to pay rewards to citizens who disclose information on terrorism (Lohse, 2008). It serves to motivate citizens to participate heavily in protecting the country from being keen and providing vital information to curb terrorism. Besides, the law increased the funding of border patrol operations. Most of the funds are allocated to activities on the northern boundary of the USA since it is the most vulnerable. Such efforts serve to benefit the country and offer protection against terrorist. Evidently, the United States has adequately and sufficiently prepared to combat domestic terrorism. After experiencing numerous terror attacks, the country is not ready to create any gap for future terrorism occurrences. In addition, the government is trying to fulfill its obligation of protecting citizens. As a result, security has been prioritized in the country with relevant measures put in place. The government has adopted stringent rules on terrorism and illegal immigration. Furthermore, the US authorities have increased funding and manpower to security agencies. All these efforts are aimed at curbing terrorists and terrorist attacks and make America the safest place in the world. Reference Haddal, C. C. (2010). Border Security: The Role of the US Patrol Border. Congressional Research Service. Hall, A., & Coyne, C. (2013). The Militarization of U.S. Domestic Policing. The Independent Review,17(4), 485-504. Retrieved 24 Mar. 15 from https://www.independent.org/pdf/tir/tir_17_04_01_hall.pdf Kaplan, K. (2001). CDC’s Strategic Plan for Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response. Public Health Reports, 116(2), 9-16. Retrieved 24 Mar. 15 from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1497264/ Lohse, D. (2008). USA Patriot Act, title iii: The Efficacy of Anti-terrorism Financing Measures. Illinois Business Law Journal, 9(1), Retrieved 24 Mar. 15 from http://www.law.illinois.edu/bljournal/post/2008/02/11/USA-PATRIOT-Act-Title-III-The-Efficacy-of-Anti-Terrorism-Financing-Measures Steinmetz, C. (2011). Mitigating the Exploitation of U.S. borders by jihadists and criminal organizations. Journal of Strategic Security, 4(3), 29-48. Retrieved from http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1124&context=jss Thurston, T. (2007). The Military’s Role in Domestic Terrorism. Homeland Security and Defense. Read More