Israeli insight

After reading that few Maine law enforcement are trained for terrorism (BDN, Oct. 8), I would like to provide insight on how the Israeli police prepares for terrorism.

The Israeli police utilizes specialized units and preventive measures as means to deter terrorism. One specialized police commando unit receives training in counter-terrorist warfare. To handle hijackings and hostage seizures, they have developed elaborate tactical plans. Whereas American police tactical teams can deal with domestic crimes, the Israeli police commandos are better experienced, better coordinated, better trained to subdue hard-core terrorists with alacrity and precision.

Supplementing the efforts of the police to keep Israel free from terrorist attack are bomb disposal experts. Among the most experienced in the world, they respond to tens of thousands of calls a year.

In preventing terrorist attacks, the Israeli police use searches, checkpoints, patrols, security cordons, and publicity activities to increase public awareness on the dangers of terrorism as well as caution on anything suspicious. They organize and train local civilian police volunteers for guarding tasks and security in normal and emergency situations. Although terrorism in Israel may not be eradicated overnight, the Israeli police has shown to the world that terrorism can be fought back.

John Wong

Brewer