While maintaining traditional roles as keepers of the peace, state law enforcement agencies are struggling to meet new terrorism-related demands. Not only are states uncertain of their new responsibilities in the national framework for terrorism prevention and response, they are often unaware of what other states are doing.

Project leaders are working across state borders, branches of government and at all levels of government to accomplish the following objectives:

• Identify new terrorism-related responsibilities for state law enforcement agencies
• Identify critical implications of new and heightened roles in terms of personnel, training, resources and information technology
• Develop and make recommendations for the states on specific policies, practices and procedures including ways to improve state, local and federal cooperation
• Identify specific needs of state law enforcement agencies to better address terrorism-related demands.

A survey was administered to all general-purpose state law enforcement agencies. This survey focused on the different roles that state agencies are playing today in the evolving terrorism prevention and response framework.

To help define the role of state agencies and provide information from a local perspective, a second survey was conducted of a sample population of local law enforcement agencies. From this survey, five states were selected (Arizona, Florida, Nebraska, New York and Washington) for an in-depth case study examination to document several different models and best practices to address terrorism at the state level.

Finally, an expert work group of state, local and federal officials helped to examine and interpret the survey and case study results. In addition, this 30-person work group identified intergovernmental issues and needs and formed recommendations for state policymakers and other law enforcement officials. Work group members concentrated on the following issue areas:

• Governance and planning issues (homeland security structures and statewide planning)T
• Tactical responsibilities (new and/or heightened responsibilities, non-terrorism responsibilities, information sharing systems, intelligence centers)
• State-federal cooperation (federal agency changes, impact of federal policies on states)

• State-local cooperation (impact of federal and state policies on local law enforcement, state support of local responsibilities).

The project will culminate with the production and dissemination of a final report in May 2005, outlining the research results and recommendations, as well as needs for further research. Results from this terrorism-prevention study and recently drafted guidance will provide state officials with a clearer understanding of current conditions and strategic directions for the future.