The FBI has found that success against terrorism can best be achieved through cooperation among various Federal, sate and local agencies. However, in order to more effectively combat terrorism, cooperation must extend beyond the mere exchange of information. Thus, Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) have been formed by the FBI to maximize interagency cooperation and coordination to create cohesive units capable of addressing terrorism problems within the U.S.
The concept of a task force, combining Federal, state and local law enforcement capabilities, was first used by the FBI in New York City in 1979, due to an overwhelming number of bank robberies. Because this concept proved to be a valuable investigative tool, it was applied to the Counterterrorism Program and, in 1980, the first JTTF was established in New York City. This was the direct result of the increasing number of terrorist bombings in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which mandated an immediate and coordinated response. The Houston Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been a strong proponent of the task force concept, initiating its JTTF in 1993. From a modist beginning the JTTF has grown over the years to include the full time participation of investigators from 17 Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. A National Joint Terrorism Task Force is currently under development as a multi-agency task force at FBI headquarters consisting of personnel from the intelligence, law enforcement (state, local and other federal), and public safety community for the purpose of multi-agency information collaboration and efficient sharing between the FBI, the intelligence, the law enforcement, and public safety community nationwide.
The mission of the JTTF is to organize federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in a coordinated manner for the purpose of detecting, preventing and responding to domestic and international terrorist organizations and/or individuals who may threaten or attack United States citizens or interest abroad or conduct criminal activity within the United States, and/or any threat or incident involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or the proliferation of same directed against the population or interests of the United States. The FBI defines terrorism as the unlawful use of force or violence, by an individual or individuals, against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
Experience has demonstrated that the concept of the JTTF is a highly effective counterterrorism tool. The JTTFs have played a critical role in many significant terrorism investigations. Examples of JTTF accomplishments include the conviction of Ramzi Yousef and Eyad Mahmoud Ismail for conspiracy in the bombing of the World Trade Center. The most notable recent accomplishment associated with a JTTF is the conviction of Johnny Walker Lind, and the arrest and prosecution of the shoe bomber, Richard Reid. The JTTFs have also been instrumental in coordinating the FBI's security preparations for major special events, including the 2002 Winter Olympics, Super Bowl XXXVI, International Monetary Fund Conference, National Conference of Mayors, and numerous Independence Day Celebrations throughout the United States.
The JTTF program is currently comprised of fifty-six (56) task forces involving approximately 1,103 FBI agents, 402 representatives from other Federal agencies, and 473 state, and local law enforcement personnel. Creation of JTTFs involves a costly investment of personnel and equipment; however, this initiative realizes qualitative benefits in the form of improvements to interagency coordination and cooperation, sharing of intelligence and in obtaining arrests and convictions in counterterrorism investigations. JTTFs will continue to be effective in reducing terrorist acts against Americans and American interests.
Domestic Terrorism
The Domestic Terrorism initiative investigates the unlawful use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual based and operating entirely within the United States or its territories, and whose activities are directed at elements of the United States Government or its civilian population. Domestic terrorist groups represent interests that span the full political spectrum, as well as social issues and concerns. FBI investigations of domestic terrorist groups or individuals are not predicted upon social or political beliefs; rather, they are based upon planned or actual criminal activity.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) are investigated as a sub program of the Domestic Terrorism initiative. The most potentially devastating threat facing the United States is the terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction (large conventional explosive, chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear devices). For terrorists, symbolic targets, critical infrastructure or major special events make attractive targets. These acts may result in a significant loss of life, may cause psychological trauma and will attract a high level of media exposure.
The WMD program takes a two-pronged approach to weapons of mass destruction. First, the WMD program is operational in nature, responding to any incidents of use, transport, possession or manufacture and/or threatened use of a weapon of mass destruction. Second, the WMD program assists communities and emergency responders in counterterrorism planning, training and exercising. The WMD program coordinator maintains extensive liaison with first responders and appropriate principals in the business/industry and the community.
Special Events
Special Events are also supported as a sub program of the Domestic Terrorism initiative. The threat of deadly violence wherever people congregate for business or pleasure has gown throughout recent years as a result of several phenomena: 1) a mass media capability that allows for worldwide and real-time transmission of pictures and video, 2) an increased tendency for groups and individuals to resort to violence against innocent people in today's asymmetrical world, 3) continued advancements in weapons of mass destruction technology that makes these devices increasingly deadly, and 4) a greater accessibility to these weapons by groups and individuals. Some domestic or international activities, events, contest, or meetings, by virtue of there profile and/or status represent an attractive target for terrorist attack.. Support for state and local law enforcement in the management of these special events is a critical component in the FBI's JTTF strategy.
International Terrorism
The International Terrorism initiative investigates the unlawful use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual based and operating outside the United States or its territories or who operate with foreign direction to committed acts of violence against U.S. citizens or property.
