Community Policing as the Primary Strategy for Homeland Security Prevention at the Local Law Enforcement Level

In the wake of September 11, 2001, local law enforcement agencies throughout the country find themselves struggling to identify their responsibilities and define their future role in the effort against terrorism in our homeland. At a time when law enforcement organizations are competing for limited funds and resources, agencies will have to look at how to adapt existing policing philosophies and strategies, such as community-oriented policing, to address the issue of homeland security. The goal of terrorism is centered in creating an atmosphere of fear in society to achieve a philosophical goal. Terrorism is about the impact of its violence on society. This requires the application of the basic concepts of law enforcement: protection and prevention to terrorism. As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, law enforcement agencies have had to assimilate homeland security strategies into their existing responsibilities for combating crime and maintaining social order. This thesis will identify how homeland security prevention and deterrence responsibilities efforts can be effectively integrated into local law enforcement's existing community policing framework. This thesis will also study attempt to identify the extent to which local law enforcement agencies in the state of Florida have adopted community-policing efforts into their homeland security strategy.