US security expert Dr David Bayley speaks on policing terrorism in Mumbai and ways to avoid future such attacks in India.
The terror attacks that rocked Mumbai on November 26, 2008, were termed as India’s 9/11. However, according to Dr David Bayley, professor of School of Criminal Justice at the State University of New York at Albany, the major difference was that the US succeeded in avoiding further attacks on its land.
Bayley, who is in the city to talk on policing terrorism, role of police in counter-terrorism, accountability and reforms in police, spoke to DNA about a few pointers that India could take from the US.
Why do you think India failed to curb the terror attacks while the US succeeded post 9/11?
The first thing we did after the attack was to organise counter-terrorism measures. We did three things - we co-ordinated intelligence gathering in a more effective manner, tightened international collaboration towards effective counter-terrorism network and we set up the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and Home Land Security. Also, Fusion Centres were introduced in each state to share central, state and local police level intelligence.
What should be India’s next move?
The problem of terrorism in India is more complex. You face threat from three sides — the North East, Naxalites and Al Qaeda. However, I think you lack in intelligence gathering. What you can do is have an agency for better co-ordination and constant sharing of information from first respondents. Basically, replicate what the US did.
Police and media face charges of bias? They are accused of blowing up matters. Your comment.
The problem of media reporting is similar in India and the US. Racial or religious profiling takes place, even though it shouldn’t. But one has to target individuals, not religion. The police should learn to be open and frank with the media.
Also, one has to understand that in a sensational case or terrorist attack, the reports will change as the investigation proceeds. But it is also important that there is a balance in enforcement of law and freedom of citizens.
A lot of people conducted programmes on community policing post the attacks in Mumbai. You think it can help?
Community policing is one of the most important aspects of counter-terrorism. In the US, it is part of the Home Land Security. The best example is the London Metropolitan Police. Post attacks, they have community police officers who create links between the police and the community. They work side by side.
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