Research in contemporary terrorism
Terrorism in the contemporary society has taken a new twist. In the recent, terrorists have appeared to camouflage in the great American population making it extremely difficult to eradicate all terrorist activities. They have taken root even in American people thus cannot be easily identified or taken as aliens only (Edna, 2007).
After the September 11 bombing, the US federal government has strived to put in place the necessary security measures so as to reduce cases of terrorism. However, these measures appear to be inclined only towards foreign attack on America thus neglects the probability of an attack from within the country. Looking at the rate at which the terrorists are advancing technologically, more strict security measures have to be taken (Edna, 2007).
As a member of the congress, the main issue I would advocate for in the house is advanced research methods and tools for the security personnel so as to curb terrorism. This would include special training on use of some devices to automatically detect and deactivate any activated explosive device. On matters pertaining to research on terrorism, I would advocate for training of more security personnel. This would result in improved research and explosive handling techniques which would in turn reduce the rates of terrorism in the country (Edna, 2007).
Another role of research on terrorism would be to identify the various ways in which the explosives used by terrorists are made. If the security personnel are well equipped with knowledge on the explosives, the terrorists would have a hard time detonating them since the security personnel will have the best techniques of handling the explosive devices (Edna, 2007).
The other role of research on terrorism would be to expose how terrorism is organized in the contemporary American society. Taking into account that America is a multicultural country, this would help very much in predicting the most vulnerable times and places to fall victim to terrorist activities. If the security personnel learn how terrorism is organized, they will come up with the best defense arrangement to avert the terror attack (Paul, 1989).
Lastly, as a member of the congress, I would advocate for overall training of the security personnel and close monitoring of the same group of people. This is because they (security personnel) will have very vital information which if leaked may result in ambush of the security personnel by the terrorists. Close monitoring is necessary since the terror groups have infiltrated even into the military and other security personnel in the country (Edna, 2007).
For the federal government, the main role in this research would be to provide the necessary materials and equipment. New terrorism hazards depict a great deal of technological advancement which requires sophisticated equipment to understand thus the government must be in a position to avail these requirements (Edna, 2007).
So as to ensure preparedness and quick response as well as ensure security of the public, the government should keep its training and organization tightly packed and arranged. This would call for specific roles for the different security personnel reducing confusion at a scene of attack as well as ensure organized public evacuation from a suspected area of terror attack (Edna, 2007).
Moving on the role of a governor in this issue, I would authorize all the security personnel to pay close attention to the public and be friendly to them. This would reduce the barrier that exists between the security people and the public making it easy to acquire information which might help prevent a terror attack. I would also advocate for community policing in my state and organize routine training for my security personnel. Lastly as the governor, I would request for the most updated equipment to deal with terrorism from the federal government or even arrange with the federal government on importation of the required equipment or information handling techniques (Paul, 1989).
If I were to approach the issue as a county executive member, I would push for training and acquisition of the best security kit in my region. The training would be to enable my security officers to cope with the ever advancing terrorism activities.
In conclusion, research on new treads in terrorism is important to all parties ranging from the public to the federal government. This is mainly because terrorism is a chameleon which is heavily camouflaged in our American society thus it is our general role to ensure it is eradicated (Paul, 1989).
References
Edna F and Chen H. 2007. International Journal of Computer-Human Studies: Mapping the contemporary terrorism research domain. Volume 62 pp 62-67. Retrieved from www.elsevier.com
Paul W. 1989. Contemporary research on terrorism, Aberdeen University Press
