U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, recently questioned law enforcement officials regarding how local law enforcement can better prevent terror and address the threat of homegrown terrorism. The hearing was held as part of the Committee’s investigation into homegrown terrorism and domestic radicalization.
Officials from the New York City, Los Angeles, Miami-Dade, and Kansas City Police Departments testified before the Committee to discuss what more they believe needs to be done to better protect America. Since the events of 9/11, many believe that it has become clear that state and local law enforcement officials are the first line of defense in preventing terror. Police department officials explained methods they use and challenged they face in identifying local terror cells. The New York city police department recently released a report on homegrown terrorism which outlined the steps of the radicalization process.
It was noted, that in the months before the 9/11 attacks, four of the hijackers had been pulled over ticketed for speeding on local roads and highways. The terrorists had violated U.S. immigration laws, yet the local officers had no information regarding the infractions.
Also, while local officers play a crucial role in investigating and intervening in terrorist plots directly, they often serve a purpose in Muslim community outreach. By having a cooperative and respectful position in an ethnic community, local police are well positioned to notice and counter the roots of violent extremism.
The officials noted that each individual community is different and that often more money is needed to implement local terrorism prevention programs.
“The rising threat of homegrown terrorism magnifies the importance of local law enforcement in our efforts to protect our country from attacks,” noted Senator Collins. “While America has done a great deal to prevent terrorists from entering the country, we often forget that our local and state police often have the best opportunity to prevent a terrorist attack. From a beat cop noticing something amiss in an alley, to a community relations officer speaking with a local mosque’s Imam, local police are truly on the front line.”
For Video of the Hearing: CLICK HERE