Featured Article -- February 2007

A closer look at the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces

The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs) are our nation's front line on terrorism.

These groups are small cells of highly-trained, local and committed investigators, analysts, linguists, SWAT experts, and other specialists from dozens of U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies.

When it comes to investigating terrorism, they do it all, from chasing down leads, gathering evidence, making arrests, providing security for special events, conducting training, collecting and sharing intelligence, and responding to threats and incidents at a moment's notice.

JTTFs have been instrumental in breaking up cells like the "Portland Seven," the "Lackawanna Six," and the Northern Virginia jihad. They've traced sources of terrorist funding, responded to anthrax threats, halted the use of fake IDs, and quickly arrested suspicious characters in possession of deadly weapons and explosives. Chances are, if you hear about a counterterrorism investigation, JTTFs are playing an active and often decisive role.

Established in 1980 in New York City, JTTFs are now based in 100 cities nationwide, including at least one in each of the FBI’s 56 field offices. The majority of these JTTFs were created after 9/11/01. There are more than 3,700 members nationwide.

Efforts are coordinated largely through the interagency National Joint Terrorism Task Force, working out of FBI Headquarters, which makes sure that information and intelligence flows freely among the local JTTFs.

These task forces are working 24/7/365 to protect you, your family, and your community from terrorist attack.

The threat level in the airline sector is HIGH or Orange. See www.dhs.gov for details.

An online Suspicious Activity Report Form (SAR) will be available soon.