An analysis of the different crime prevention measures and technological tools aimed at countering terrorism

Abstract

In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, terrorism moved from being under-reported to gaining what could be described as “way too much” media exposure. The recent terrorist attacks, including the Paris, Brussels and London attacks (2015, 2017 and 2018 respectively), had Europe shaking in fear. These unexpected attacks caused security organisations to modernise their security systems and invest in even more advanced technologies in order to be able to fights this serious threat of terrorism. One of the aims of this study was to look into criminological theories and define terrorism. Another aim was to identify which crime prevention measures and technological tools are currently existent and which of these are currently being used, particularly by the Maltese organisations, to fight terrorism. The study sought to learn which policies are in place to counteract terrorism and what contingency plan, in case of a terrorist attack, is in place, here in Malta. By speaking to five specifically chosen security organisations and with the general public, a general understanding of how these organisations and the public view terrorism was gained and is here presented. This study makes reference to an unpublished dissertation by Dr. Trevor Calafato and, utilising the quantitative and qualitative methods, seeks to gain answers to questions similar to those posed in that study. The acquired results were then compared to those acquired in Dr. Calafato’s (2006) unpublished dissertation titled, ‘Investigating the capabilities and preparedness of Maltese Security forces in dealing with terrorists’ incidents manifested in Maltese territory’ to gain better insight on whether perspectives or policies have changed along the years. The results of this study indicate, among other things, that whilst there is always room for improvement, security organisations in Malta are striving to implement modern technology, to give importance to sharing of intelligence and are doing their utmost to prevent and be prepared in the eventuality of a terrorist attack. The public seems however to be, mostly, unaware of these facts. The results obtained were eventually used to identify recommendations which can be applied by the security organisations in order to further improve Malta’s fight against terrorism.