Notes from the Field: Maintaining Vigilance to Combat Terrorism

In this article from NIJ's "Notes from the Field" series, which allows leading voices in the field to share their strategies for responding to the most pressing issues on America's streets today, Chief Luther Reynolds of the Charleston Police Department discusses how law enforcement must remain vigilant about what’s going on in the communities they serve in order to prevent acts of terrorism. Chief Reynolds stresses that violent extremism is a very real threat that is not going to go away due to the deep hatred of targeted groups of people. He believes prevention, based on good policing, community engagement, and problem solving, is the top priority, and that taking formal steps to make a statement against hate, at the State level, is essential to build community trust and provide the criminal justice system tools for better outcomes. Chief Reynolds stresses the importance for law enforcement leaders to maintain a sense of urgency and prioritize prevention, be smart and efficient, and find a balance where respect for people’s constitutional rights is paramount.