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Domestic Terrorism: Prevention Efforts in Selected Federal Courts and Mass Transit Systems

PEMD-88-22 Published: Jun 23, 1988. Publicly Released: Jun 23, 1988.
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Highlights

In response to a congressional request, GAO provided information on current efforts to protect against domestic terrorism in federal court buildings and mass transit systems.

Recommendations

Matter for Congressional Consideration

Matter Status Comments
Congressional committees that are concerned about the threat of domestic terrorism and the preservation of civil liberties may wish to request that agencies provide information on the strategies they have developed to prevent and respond to terrorist acts. Of special interest would be the extent to which agencies have evaluated the effectiveness and intrusiveness of existing preventive measures. Consideration should be given to how protective strategies can be effective and flexible in addressing different terrorist threats, while adhering to a consistent standard of minimal intrusiveness on the civil liberties of the public and employees. Congressional committees might also want to ensure that the antiterrorism programs are compatible with the mission and operations of their institutions or facilities, are integrated with related functions such as safety and emergency preparedness, and are coordinated with appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Closed – Not Implemented
Congress has not wanted to adopt this recommendation.

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Topics

AntiterrorismCivil libertiesCrime preventionEmergency responseEmergency response proceduresFacility securityFederal courtsLaw enforcementMass transitSabotageSafety standardsTerrorismUrban transportationTransportation planning