Terrorism and the Future of Law Enforcement, Reaction Paper Example

Abstract

Terrorism may be defined as an act of unlawful violence or that is targeted to non-combat (civilians) populations. The terrorists are believed to be doing these inhuman acts in pretence of Jihad (holy war) but the main underlying reasons are difference in opinions, fighting for attention, inferiority complex and political or ideological conflicts. The major aim of terrorist is to kill, maim and create fear in their target so as to be feared or noticed. Terrorism has existed since the 19^th century but the world in general and the western in particular has never been exposed to terrorism activities like in the 21^st century. The basis of this article is to reflect on the current and the future of terrorism activities that are facing us.

Al-Qaeda sleeper cells

From the findings of Manchester constabulary it is clear that terrorism is a very well networked group that is out for no any good mission but to wreck havoc. For one to join a terror group, there are several lengthy and tedious procedures that ought to be followed. Of course the major criteria being that one must be a devoted Muslim. This may be attributed to the fact that terrors are believed to be waging a whole war against non-Muslims. You must also show a total devotion and sacrifice to an extent of laying down your life for the sake of your religion. This is partly confirmed by the activities of suicide bombers.

After joining the terror group one undergoes an extensive training on several issues all aimed at nothing but protecting one self whereas perpetuating terror to those who are believed to be enemies. Enemies (according to terrors) include those of different faith, ideology and or political affiliations (Hoffman, 1998). Some of the areas where attackers are trained on once they have joined the group include communication, traveling, transporting artillery and even launching an attack. Spying, treating hostages and defending oneself if arrested are also areas covered during the training – at least according to this manual that was found by the Manchester constabulary. This clearly shows that terrorism is a well organized crime which partly explains why it has become extremely difficult to deter these criminals.

Domestic extremists

It is quite sad that when our security details are concentrating their efforts in countering sophisticated criminals like the al-Qaeda, other domestic extremists are also causing havoc. This has really complicated the matters even more badly. It makes the police to neglect their basic mandate of protecting the citizens and their property to concentrate on these groups. Whilst some of these extremists have a genuine course to fight for, it does not in any way justify their actions, given the level of maturity and civilization that a great country like America prides about. There are well established systems where they ought to take their grievances to be addressed! Causing terrors and leaving property worthy millions of shillings destroyed and or killing innocent civilians does not at all justify why, for instance, you want to fight for the environment!

If war against terror (especially from external groups) must be won, there is a need for all of us as Americans to unite and fight a common enemy. Otherwise fighting between ourselves is a sure way of giving the enemy undue advantage to tramp upon us. This way we will give law enforcement agencies an easy time to carry out their operations more easily and with undivided attention. Another thing we have to do is to co-operate fully with the police by giving out any useful piece of information that is appropriate for them to carry out their mandate (Jonathan, 2004). This is because terrorist are highly organized people and they live in our midst.

The future

This is one of the very interesting parts of this article; it explores the current problem in detail and offers the possible future trends of the present scenario. To this end Jonathan (2004) feels that the Terrorist target countries like USA, UK and Israel has a lot to do to prevent acts of terrorism both within and outside their borders. This is because whenever we make a step to fighting them, they counter our move. A good example of this is the development and use of technology by these criminal gangs to perpetuate their inhuman acts like in the September 11 attacks. They seem to be smart and high-tech in this regard that it has become virtually impossible to outwit them.

The treatment of terrors in the same manner like domestic criminals who should therefore be handled by the national police is a major weakness in combating this menace. Whereas it can be argued that the reason for this is because terrors commit their crimes within our Geographical boundaries, is goes beyond that. This is because terrors are highly organized criminals, armed with weapons of mass destruction and above all ready to die! Thus I strongly feel the police are overwhelmed when it comes to this.

Conclusion

The USA and its allies that are targeted by terrorists need to be cautious now than ever before in dealing with this issue of great concern. This is because terror groups are changing and becoming even more organized to carry out their heinous acts for whichever reasons they believe in. There is needed to come up with new legislations on how to counter terrorism in the future. Finally it can be noted that the buck on the war against terrorism does not stop with the law enforcement agencies but all of us as one people. United we stand, divided we fall.

References

Jonathan R. W., (2004). Terrorism and the future of law enforcement. Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Pg. 97-103.

Hoffman, B., (1998). Inside Terrorism 2^nd Ed.  Columbia University Press. Pg. 30 – 32.