Topic category: Other/General
National Survey Shows Lack of Preparedness for Dirty Bomb Attack
by Jim Kouri, CPP
The Radiological Threat Awareness Coalition (R-TAC) today released a national survey on homeland security preparedness, showing that at least 81% of those polled said the threat of a "dirty bomb" is serious, yet less than one third (32%) feel prepared for a terrorist attack.
The national survey of public sentiment finds that a majority of likely voters would not know what to do in the event of a "dirty bomb" attack, and have not taken steps to make themselves more prepared.
"Seven years after 9/11 proved that America was vulnerable, the American people know the danger of a dirty bomb, but they don't know what to do about it," said R-TAC chairman James P. Pinkerton. "The sense of urgency that sparked R-TAC will help deploy much-needed support to federal, state, and local responders to address the threat of a dirty bomb. This is the best way to honor their efforts and protect America."
Among the findings:
-- 81% said they consider the threat posed to the United States by the possibility of a "dirty bomb" attack by terrorists to be serious.
-- A majority (56%) said they were not confident they would know what to do in the event of a "dirty bomb" attack.
-- 63% said they do not feel prepared in the event of a terrorist attack on their community.
-- Only 34% of voters agreed the government was doing a good job informing people about preparedness for a terrorist attack.
The nationwide survey of 502 likely voters was conducted August 25-28, 2008 by Mr. Peter Brodnitz of the Benenson Strategy Group. To view the poll in its entirety, please visit www.r-tac.org.
Jim Kouri
Chief of Police Magazine (Contributing Editor)
Biography - Jim Kouri
Jim Kouri, CPP is currently fifth vice-president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He's former chief at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights nicknamed "Crack City" by reporters covering the drug war in the 1980s. In addition, he served as director of public safety at a New Jersey university and director of security for a number of organizations. He's also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country. He writes for many police and crime magazines including Chief of Police, Police Times, The Narc Officer, Campus Law Enforcement Journal, and others. He's appeared as on-air commentator for over 100 TV and radio news and talk shows including Oprah, McLaughlin Report, CNN Headline News, MTV, Fox News, etc. His book Assume The Position is available at Amazon.Com, Booksamillion.com, and can be ordered at local bookstores. Kouri holds a bachelor of science in criminal justice and master of arts in public administration and he's a board certified protection professional.