Community Policing in Post‐September 11 America: A Comment on the Concept of Community‐Oriented Counterterrorism 1

Abstract

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, US law enforcement agencies at all levels began altering their strategies, placing an emphasis on the use of aggressive tactics and invasive technology. It is not clear, however, whether the new measures have had any deterrent impact on terrorism or serve the best interests of the public. This paper provides an overview of the post‐September 11 changes in law enforcement, with a focus on the impact the changes have had on community policing programs. It is suggested that aggressive tactics and invasive technology will fail to reduce the threat of terrorism and that strategies based on the fundamental tenets of community policing could be effective against terrorist organizations.