Report examines future terrorism prevention efforts

Assistant Secretary for Threat Prevention and Security Elizabeth Neumann recently released report findings examining past terrorism prevention efforts and future measures.

The analysis stems from the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), which is operated for the Department of Homeland Security by the RAND Corporation, with a focus building an effective and practical national approach to terrorism prevention.

“As threats from terrorism evolve, our understanding of prevention also has to evolve,” Neumann said. “In addition to the DHS internal review of prevention efforts, the Department asked the RAND Corporation for a third party assessment. I am pleased to share with the American people the highlights of their findings and to discuss steps we are taking as a Department to further enhance the security of our homeland.”

The examination determined current terrorism prevention efforts are limited and reinvestment in federal field staff is key.

For counter-messaging and intervention programming, the federal government should focus on funding and assisting state, local, and nongovernmental organizations and private actors rather than building capabilities itself.

The federal government should continue to provide community awareness briefings and training exercises to local groups.

Building and maintaining the bench of expert practitioners will be important in developing programs from the national to the local levels.

Pursuing public-private partnerships and broadening support from nonsecurity agencies would be a practical approach to supporting terrorism prevention efforts in a way that is potentially more acceptable to communities and members of the public.