Hunting a Black Swan : Policy Options for America's Police in Preventing Radiological/Nuclear Terrorism

Abstract

Local law enforcement is a necessary and irreplaceable component to a comprehensive approach to increasing the probability of detection of attempted Nuclear and Radiological Terrorism incidents. Local law enforcements unique knowledge, skills, and abilities provide investigative, protection, and direct action capabilities not found in other nonmilitary disciplines. A well-trained, equipped, and situational aware Law Enforcement community can form our nations last, best defense against this terrorist threat. This thesis will examine the broad policy options for law enforcement agencies pursuing a Preventive Radiological Nuclear Detection (PRND) program. The examination will look at four options (1) taking no action and leaving the PRND mission to federal agencies, (2) a single agency approach, (3) multiple law enforcement agencies creating a regional PRND program and (4) a multidisciplinary, multiagency approach covering a large urban area. Each option will use a case to illustrate the comparative aspects of planning, organization, equipment, training, exercising, and operations support. It will be shown that interested law enforcement agencies can choose and implement a PRND that meets their needs as part of an overall homeland security program in their respective jurisdiction. The goal is to encourage more law enforcement agencies to participate in the domestic portion of a global strategy known as the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture (GNDA). This document will serve as a roadmap for agencies wishing to engage in this mission.