COMBATING TERRORISM
As part of his 2002 annual report...
Author: Michael R. Sala
As part of his 2002 annual report submitted before the SPICIN Policy Board of Directors, SPICIN Executive Director, Mike Sala pointed out that it is without a doubt since the senseless attacks on the United States of America on September 11, 2001 that cooperation with one another and the regular sharing of information are critical components in the prevention of crimes. Whatever the offense is or the situation maybe, if one agency or person is in possession of the information that may prevent its occurrence but opts not to share it with other law enforcement counterparts; the chances of occurrence are greatly increase. Each community or jurisdiction has its own law enforcement programs to combat terrorism, organized and sex crimes. However, the common denominator that can enhance our successes in the battle against evil, is the regular sharing of information.
As we gradually move toward the future, our society is quickly progressing toward globalization. Many major institutions, including government are seeking ways to increase awareness and security in preventative measures. The Pacific region is no exception to this trend of change. The war on terrorism has really brought into focus the importance of keeping our Pacific island nations united together and strong. The open exchange of information is indeed necessary for law enforcement, prosecution, the judiciary and corrections to carry out their respective duties and responsibilities.
The theme of this year's Conference as stated is appropriate in every aspect of law enforcement concerns in terms of crimes against humanity and how each impacts on our respective communities.
In a special retrospective issue of Terrorism in the United States, published by the FBI in 1999, it discusses notable cases, trends, emerging threats, and the development of the FBI response to terrorism during the past 30 years. The report captures historical statistics of the number of citizens killed and injured in terrorist incidents that occurred in the U.S. mainland and abroad beginning from March 1971 to December 1999. By far, not one of these incidents came close to the numbers recorded in the September 11, 2001 incident.
Accordingly, many citizens perceive terrorism as an unfortunate by-product of contemporary life. Similar to oil spills and aircraft disaster, acts of terrorism are considered one of the regrettable - and often inexplicable - perils of modern society.
However, as Sun Tzu would concurred, terrorism is actually one of the oldest forms of human conflict. In the olden days, societies organized themselves to wage war aginst each other, individuals and small groups engaged in terror tactics to achieve limited goals - to overthrow existing leaders, to ward off potential rivals, or to frighten opposing groups from lands they wished to claim for themselves.
Although the means and ends have evolved throughout history, the central elements of terrorism - fear, panic, violence, and disruption - have changed little through time. As the world experiences the 21st Century, terrorism remains a vexing problem an anachronistic fixture of human relations as paradoxically human and inhuman in the third Millennium as it was before the dawn of recorded history.
Executive Director Sala concluded by saying that the September 11 attack on America was a lesson learned for the nation and the world. This has unleashed a renewed sense of national and international urgency at all levels of government to ensure that law enforcement agencies have the resources and are prepared to respond to acts of terrorism. Communication and /or sharing of intelligence information is the key for us in the Pacific to improve and enhance our capabilities to respond to terrorist attacks.
Our commitment to our combined regional jurisdiction can present an effective barrier to terrorist threats or organized criminal activities. We all have the capacity to gather, analyze, and share information that will serve us well. One of the strongest weapons that we collectively have in our arsenal to combat these problems is our South Pacific Islands Criminal Intelligence Network (SPICIN) which links to many law enforcement networks and telecommunication systems through OTICIDE.
The issues facing us have been identified. Our mutual mission is before us - one that can only be accomplished by providing full SUPPORT, COOPERATION, and TRUST for the common good. The unanimity of favorable oral and written remarks in respect to SPICIN operational activities has been a positive reinforcement that we are indeed headed in the right direction. Your collective votes of confidence are truly of unity is alive and well.
There is no question that our success in meeting the threat of terrorism, organized crime and other criminal element is directly related to information sharing and coordination on our efforts. We live in a highly mobile society where people are constantly moving throughout the Pacific and the world in a very short period of time. Criminals live in the most technically advanced society ever, which provides the capability to conduct financial transactions that allow terrorism and other organized crimes to be committed across international boundaries with great ease like what we have witnessed in the September 11 attack in America. The issues of domestic and international terrorism and preparedness are critical issues for all of us. Working together, we can make a difference, and I know that we will do our best to protect our region and citizens.
Therefore, we, on behalf of the forefathers of SPICIN, are duty bound to maintain this SPCPC initiative, and without prejudice, continue to make improvements through the implementation of approved resolutions.
As your Executive Director, I also take this opportunity, on behalf of the Control Center, to thank you for your support and cooperation in the last year. Again, we look forward to your continued support and partnership, in the Pacific way, in making our region a better place to live.
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