Essay Sample on Modern Terrorism

Introduction

Contemporary issues refer to subjects that are currently in public discourse. In present days, law enforcement and policing have become contemporary issues primarily because of the rise in terrorism and improvements in technology. According to Smith & Zeigler (2017), 9/11 ushered in a new age of modern terrorism. In the last couple of years after the 9/11 terror attack, cases of domestic and transnational terror incidences have increased. After the attack, policymakers were swift to declare global terrorism the next extreme threat to security. A new conflict emerged between the West and Islamist terror. Back in 2016, an article in the New York Times indicated a rise in the number of deaths that resulted as a result of terror attacks in Europe and North America. In addition, the newspaper noted that more than three-quarters of all terror fatalities in the last five years transpired in nations that were beset with civil strife namely, Yemen, Syria, Pakistan, Nigeria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

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In recent years, terror attacks have become more sophisticated with the help of new technologies. In addition, new investigation techniques and organizational strategies have stretched the role of police officers all over the world. As such, there have been calls for an intelligence-driven, robust, paramilitary policing which goes hand-in-hand with requests for a softer community policing strategy which leaves police officers under intense pressure to be both tough and yet compassionate, adaptable as well as accountable. An analysis of the concerns raised is essential to help police officers move forward in an increasingly conflicted planet (Millie & Das, 2008).

There are various issues facing police officers in the modern world. This is because no one has the ability to predict future challenges that lie ahead for law enforcers to tackle. The only piece of information and data police officers and other law enforcement agencies can utilize is sourced from history. Unfortunately, modern challenges appear to be more complicated when compared to those in the past. Therefore, it is difficult to foresee the trends ahead. Cappitelli (2016) suggests that each year brings with it new tragedies and triumphs.

One area where police had to be vigilant is the fight against terror which appears to be growing despite the efforts that have been made to ensure that the world is free of terror through transnational partnerships. Unfortunately, traditional strategies are no match for the modern terrorists who use explosives, high-powered weaponry and advanced tactics. There is a need for specialized training to fight off this enemy. Civil unrests in the form of protests and demonstrations have also been on the rise. The first wave occurs after a particular incident has happened. Such actions lead to the demand for prosecution, termination or resignation of those found to be behind the initial unrest. Soon, there is a reaction to the decision made especially one that involves prosecution. Police officers have a hard time controlling crowds in such states.

Finally, in recent years there has been a growing desire to induce criminal prosecution for officers whose actions bring about death or injury. This scrutiny is becoming the new normal to the point where civilians take matters into their own hands. Police officers are not adequately prepared to hander such incidences apart from encouraging professional conduct with the police service organizations. In the past, the call for the prosecution of police officers has led to armed confrontations between members of the public and the police.

References

Cappitelli, P. (2016). 7 of the biggest issues facing law enforcement in 2016. Retrieved from https://www.policeone.com/patrol-issues/articles/60959006-7-of-the-biggest-issues-facing-law-enforcement-in-2016/

Millie, A., & Das, D. K. (Eds.). (2016). Contemporary issues in law enforcement and policing. CRC Press.

Smith, M., & Zeigler, S. M. (2017). Terrorism before and after 9/11-a more dangerous world?. Research & Politics, 4(4), 2053168017739757.