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New Zealand's response to threats of terrorism
Responding to the threat of terrorismTerrorism is the use of violence to achieve ideological, political or religious ends. In New Zealand the Police Commissioner is accountable for the operational response to threats to national security, including terrorism, and has a key role through The Officials Committee for Domestic and External Security Coordination (ODESC). ODESC is made up of many different government and non-government agencies which work together to manage New Zealand's wider counter-terrorism efforts. The Terrorism Suppression Act 2002 provides for a list of terrrorist entities to be established and maintained in New Zealand. Police are responsible for coordinating requests to the Prime Minister for designation as a terrorist entity. See also: What's changed since 9/11?In January 2002 Cabinet approved police funding for a range of counterterrorist measures. New positions established to increase capability to pre-empt and respond to terrorist attacks include:
Overseas liaison postsNew Zealand Police maintains several overseas posts that help identify potential terrorist risks to New Zealand and the surrounding region. We are also building relationships with key international intelligence units. Prior to 11 September 2001, NZ Police had liaison officers in Canberra, Sydney and Bangkok, and had been represented in Australia and Thailand for over 20 years. Police are well aware of the value of relationship building, intelligence sharing and operational development. In 2002, liaison officers were appointed in Washington and London. In 2003 a liaison post was created in Jakarta and in September 2004 a post was established in Suva. Most recently a liaison office was established in Beijing, China, in 2007. Strategic Intelligence UnitThe main objective of the new Strategic Intelligence Unit (SIU) is to increase New Zealand's capability and understanding of the domestic and international security environment. The unit will provide strategic and tactical intelligence on terrorism. It will also provide intelligence on complex national and transnational criminal activities that potentially impact the national security of New Zealand and other countries. These activities include people smuggling, identity document fraud and money laundering. See the Criminal Investigation Branch for more detail. Working with other government agenciesThere is close interaction between Police and intelligence agencies to ensure a seamless approach to national security and counterterrorism matters. Information is shared to enable rapid responses and effective strategy development. Police also work closely with agencies such as Customs and Immigration, which have primary responsibility for New Zealand's border security. The presence of Police at international airports for security and screening is a prime example. Police are able to make an effective contribution to multi-agency border control measures aimed at preventing terrorist acts. Other Police units involved in securitySpecial Tactics Groups (STG) Armed Offender Squads (AOS) Diplomatic Protection Squad (DPS) See the Diplomatic Protection Squad page for more detail. Specialist Search Group (SSG) The group's primary role is to search for IEDs, other dangerous items and substances. Further chem/bio capabilities are being developed. The skills the group has acquired in that role are now being used in a variety of general searches. The SSG is familiar with explosive substances currently available within NZ and current trends in the use of international. Search and Rescue (SAR) See the Search and Rescue page for more detail. Emergency management Disaster Victim Identification (DVI)
Combined Law Agency Group (CLAG) Through a joint forum it coordinates targeting strategies and consistent operational policies for matters with potential national security implications, such as identity document fraud. |
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