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The lives of all Americans have been touched by the unprovoked attack and tragic events of September 11, 2001. Since then, local prosecutors have been joining the frontline in the nation’s efforts to safeguard communities from future terrorist attacks.
Federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement officials must work together in developing and carrying out national efforts to prevent and combat terrorism.
On May 19-21, 2002, more than 100 prosecutors gathered at NDAA’s Capital Conference in Alexandria, Virginia, to help formulate the roles prosecutors play in preventing future terrorism and responding to an increasing array of homeland security needs. Attendees heard from Governor Tom Ridge, the nation’s Homeland Security director, FBI Director Robert Mueller, and other distinguished speakers from the administration and Department of Justice.
The consistent message throughout the conference was that terrorism prevention and responses require collaboration across all levels of government, prosecution and law enforcement. Deputy Attorney
General Larry Thompson and other presenters reinforced Attorney General John Ashcroft’s earlier advice to NDAA that: 𠇊s local prosecutors, you possess valuable experience which will help in this war against terrorism.” Associate Attorney General Jay Stephens remarked that the task at hand is to form a “seamless web” of communication and collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement efforts.
Anti-Terrorism Task Forces (ATTFs) have been formed in every jurisdiction across America to create partnerships against terrorism. Local prosecutors must assume active roles in ATTFs, including the sharing of intelligence and resources. Information must flow both ways, so that federal officials provide locals with valuable updated information and vice versa. Effective partnership will be the key to success in the war against terrorism.
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Local prosecutors also must work closely with their communities. President Bush has asked every American to make preparedness part of their daily lives and to report suspicious activities. Local prosecutors know their communities and can recognize unusual activities and events. Through well-established community prosecution approaches, many prosecutors have already gained the trust and assistance of neighborhood watch groups, faith-based groups and other community-based organizations.
| NAC Is Renamed
On May 27, 2002, there was a formal ceremony at the University of South Carolina to name the Ernest F. Hollings National Advocacy Center. APRI is proud to offer trainings for NDAA at this excellent facility.
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Based on these relationships, local prosecutors are better
able to receive reports on suspicious behaviors and determine whether further scrutiny is warrante d.
After all, as Governor Ridge observed: “Homeland security starts in our own hometowns.”
Finally, as federal officials and resources are increasingly devoted to combating terrorism, local prosecutors and law enforcement must fill the gap that results. With new and more responsibilities come increased training needs. NDAA and APRI are working together to make sure local prosecutors have the requisite knowledge and skills to carry out these responsibilities of combating terrorism while expanding their efforts to fulfill continuing roles in preventing and combating all crimes. After all, most justice activities are local, and terrorism threats have now been added to the long list.
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