State Police Step Up Anti-Terrorism Role

MEDIA ADVISORY
March 28, 2005
Contact: Jack Penchoff
(859) 244-8153
jpenchoff@csg.org

CSG study shows post-Sept. 11 impact on law enforcement priorities

Lexington, KY—May 18, 2005—State law enforcement agencies are assuming new responsibilities in the fight against terrorism, according to a recent 50-state survey. State police are also spending more time and money filling gaps created by post-Sept. 11 shifts in federal priorities.

The Council of State Governments and Eastern Kentucky University's College of Justice and Safety recently released The Impact of Terrorism on State Law Enforcement, an overview of a 50-state survey that explores the changing roles of state law enforcement. The study highlights state police efforts to prevent terrorism while also meeting traditional public safety needs.

Illinois Rep. John Millner, who served as a police chief for 16 years, said, "It's now more important than ever to incorporate terrorism prevention into law enforcement's toolbox of crime fighting programs."

According to the report's authors, "The world of state law enforcement has become incredibly more complex and demanding." Among the demands on state agencies are new homeland security responsibilities such as critical infrastructure protection, event security, protection of dignitaries, gathering and analyzing intelligence and terrorism-related investigations.

In conjunction with new homeland security duties, state police interact more frequently with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office for Domestic Preparedness and the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. While all police agencies have been significantly affected by the events of Sept. 11, the report found that state law enforcement agencies face the most drastic adjustments.

For specific state recommendations or more about the project's key findings, visit www.csg.org (keyword: protect). The final technical report will be released this summer.

The Council of State Governments is the premier organization in forecasting policy trends for executive, legislative and judicial state leaders. CSG has championed excellence in state government since 1933 by advocating multi-state shared problem solving and states' rights, by tracking national conditions, trends and innovations, and through nonpartisan, groundbreaking leadership training and support.