Security Chaos in Hurricane Aftermath ? What Does It Mean for the Future?

By Bill West

The tragic disaster facing the Gulf Coast in the wake of hurricane Katrina is demonstrating the Government�s ability to respond to a widespread catastrophe within the United States for the first time since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. How the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), now tasked with the lead role in the Federal Government�s response, will fare in this effort will take weeks, if not months, to evaluate.

What is becoming increasingly clear, almost by the hour, is how the security situation, especially in New Orleans has become dire. The local and State police have been unable to control looting and what has become generalized chaotic violence in some parts of the devastated city. Reports of extreme acts of random violence, including shooting attacks against the police and rescue personnel, as of today are common in the media. The Administration has reportedly committed tens of thousands of National Guard and other military units to move into the area to reestablish security, law and order. They cannot get there fast enough. Given that this hurricane, with its strength and potential destructive power, was something public officials knew about well in advance, there might well be questions about why mobilization of sufficient manpower resources did not occur beforehand. But, those are questions for later. Establishing security and order and the safety of the survivors is the highest priority at this time.

As the Government responds to this disaster, the counter-terrorism community should pay close attention. If America ever suffers a WMD terrorist attack with widespread destruction and casualties, how the Federal Government responds to the Katrina aftermath may be indicative of what the American people could expect after some future massive terrorism event. Unfortunately, what we are seeing with the rapid breakdown of law and order in New Orleans might also be indicative of what could be expected after an extended, large-scale disaster in any large metropolitan area. With that understanding, it becomes clear that humanitarian assistance cannot be provided when there is no security. Safety and security for survivors and relief workers must be provided before real help can begin.

Since DHS is now in charge, and presumably would be for any such future event (natural or otherwise), it would appear that planning for immediate and massive influx of security forces into the affected area(s) is a top lesson already learned. There are, of course, traditional resources available to the Federal Government for such matters. All Federal law enforcement agencies can contribute officers and agents, National Guard troops can be activated and Federalized and, as a last resort, regular military troops could be called in. Some creative new ideas may also be in order. Since 9/11, there has been a proposal submitted to the Administration and Congress to create a Homeland Security Reserve Force comprised of retired law enforcement officer volunteers. Such a reserve cadre would already be trained and experienced and could be called into service after such a serious national incident to assist active duty law enforcement to augment security operations. So far, the proposal has remained just that, a proposal.

While the tragedy of the hurricane disaster unfolds, and hopefully the surviving victims recover quickly, it is also hoped the appropriate Government officials learn valuable lessons so the inevitable �next time� results in the best possible response.

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