Needs & Gaps

The "Swarming” attack pattern used in Mumbai, India and other unconventional warfare tactics used against Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, could be used during a terrorist attack on American civilian population. This could challenge some US counterterrorist forces designed to deal with only one crisis at a time. In the event of multiple terrorist attacks carried out across a region or a city, US federal and military counterterrorist units would most likely find their responses slowed by distance and the need to clarify jurisdiction.

Front Line Officers nationwide represent a tremendous asset in assisting the FBI with their broad counterterrorism mission. There are many more local law enforcement officers working 24/7 then there are federal agents working worldwide. It is essential for local agencies to improve immediate intervention capabilities and provide the necessary training to responding officers.