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Public Role and Engagement in Counterterrorism Efforts: Implications of Israeli Practices for the U.S.
Date: April 2, 2009
Author: Dr. Sibel McGee, et al.
Institution: Homeland Security Institute
Bibliographic Entry: McGee, Sibel, et. al. “Public Role and Engagement in Counterterrorism Efforts: Implications of Israeli Practices for the U.S.” April 2, 2009. The Homeland Security Institute.
Electronic Link: http://www.hstoday.us/images//public_role_in_ct_israeli_practices_task_08-22.pdf
Key Words: counterterrorism, Israel, public engagement, resiliency, risk communication, terrorist attacks
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions: This study, by the Homeland Security Institute, puts forth the argument that the Israeli public’s role in counterterrorism is significant, especially concerning resilience after frequent attacks. The bulk of the report is a comparison between the US and Israeli government’s policies in four key areas, and in all of which the Israelis compare favorably to the US: (1) a public education campaign concerning the dangers of and responses to terrorism; (2) a clear explanation of how and when to report suspicious behavior; (3) a regular training regime to prepare the public for responding to an attack; and (4) precise and honest risk communications. Though the two societies are quite different, the authors of the study find many areas in which the US government can improve its strategic partnership with the public.
Given these conclusions the authors offered several recommendations:
• DHS must change the conception of the government-population relationship from a protector-victim dichotomy to a partnership
• DHS should support education and information programs that explain threats from and responses to terrorist attacks as separate from natural disasters
• The federal government should restore its credibility in mass communications by targeting specific areas likely to be affected by terrorism
• Preparedness information should be provided in multiple languages for all Americans
• Risk message coordination should be improved across all levels of government
Date Posted: October 20, 2009