Terrorism has been around for hundreds of years, but only within the last few decades has state-sponsored terrorism been so prevalent. The international responses to terrorism have ranged from covert political actions to open military strikes. With the exception of some federal agents, United States law enforcement officers have been involved in few counter-terrorism activities. That is, until September 11, 2001. On that day, when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the mission of local, state, and federal law enforcement changed. For the first time since World War II, law enforcement officers now consider the defense of the nation as part of their mission.
Participants in this 40-hour course will examine terrorism through the perspectives of Anthropology and Criminal Justice. The course will explore the causes and scope of terrorism, the role of women as victims or perpetrators of terrorism, and whether terrorism serves a political or religious need for some societies. Participants will examine how public safety should respond to terrorist activities.
| Understand how the structure and mission of terrorist groups have changed and why. |
| Use problem-solving and decision-making techniques to assist in analysis and response to extremist group events. |
| Learn how the police role in responding to extremist groups has changed and how police agencies might restructure themselves in the future. |