Assessment of BJA's State and Local Anti-Terrorism Training Program

SLATT's goal is to train local law enforcement personnel in the prevention, detection, and investigation of terrorist attacks. Although the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating terrorist threats, they rely on state and local law enforcement agencies for information-sharing, detection, and initial response regarding terrorism. SLATT is a workshop-type training program that provides panels of experts that provide instruction on topics that have been requested for each session. The workshops last 1 or 2 days, and the topics addressed may include intelligence, investigative techniques, and counter-surveillance. Overall, the evaluation of SLATT found that planners and training participants had a favorable impression of the workshops, with participants indicating they would change their approach to terrorist threats following the training. The evaluation also found that SLATT trainees have been engaged in counterterrorism as a major responsibility in their agencies. Regarding improvements in the SLATT program, the evaluation found that it is not satisfying the widespread demand from law enforcement agencies for counterterrorism training. In addressing this issue, the evaluation suggests the prioritization of train-the-trainer workshops, which would prepare local law enforcement personnel to conduct or develop training courses for their agencies. The evaluation also suggests facilitating network opportunities among law enforcement agencies at trainings.