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Investigating Terrorism Techniques
Rebekah Pettus
GOVT 480
Liberty University
Professor: Thomas Brown
12/11/2023
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Abstract
Since they have been around for a very long time, terrorists have developed more
sophisticated and violent tactics of recruiting, destruction, and planning. This means that several
investigations must be conducted to either identify the perpetrator or stop the deed from
happening before the terrorists can carry out their plot. There are several investigative
techniques, two of which are entrapment and VR/AR technology.
Some, like forensic linguistics, require revisions, upgrades, or a complete overhaul. There are
investigative methods that have never been used around inquiry, while others are tried and true.
Microbial forensics is one of the more recent examples since studies on its efficacy are ongoing.
Finding and implementing new ideas and improvements is crucial since, in the absence of them,
there would be more crimes, the arrest of innocent individuals, and the pace of action might not
increase.
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Introduction
This is problematic because it makes it possible for terrorists to go undiscovered by blending
in with the crowd. It is believed that individuals listed on the Terrorism Screening Database have
been granted entry into the nation with other immigrants. In the current world, terrorism poses a
serious concern. At least 65 recognized Foreign Terrorist Organizations are presently in
operation, according to the Central Intelligence Agency (2023). Terrorist attacks may take many
different forms: they can be physical, like bombs and shootings; they can also be chemical, like
Anthrax assaults; or biological, like parasites and illnesses. According to data from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation (2021), there were 7,314 recorded hate crime occurrences, around 1,000
ongoing domestic terrorism investigations annually, and a comparatively declining number of
people imprisoned for domestic terrorism between 2017 and 2019. The main issue raised by this
is that America permits terrorists to coexist with us in our society. Investigations are used to
identify the attacker(s) and stop similar attacks in the future, both after an attack has occurred
and occasionally, ideally, before it can be finished. While there is no doubt that some of these
techniques are highly regarded, others require development. Keeping these investigative
techniques current is crucial to adequately prosecuting terrorists.
Key Factors
These people can come and exploit our country because there is no border security.
It is quite possible that among the millions of people who crossed the border, at least one terrorist
slipped through the cracks since terrorists usually remain hidden until they launch an assault.
Examining a text's aim and performativity can help determine its purpose (Longhi, 2021, p. 2).
Present-Day Research Techniques
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Three-dimensional reconstruction, entrapment, virtual reality reconstruction, and augmented
reality reconstruction are a few highly regarded contemporary investigative techniques. These
techniques have been used for many years and have been quite beneficial to investigations.
Techniques and Tools
Equipment Terrorist investigations in Russia have benefited from three-dimensional crime
scene simulations. These reconstructions are interactive and are always being enhanced. Some
progress is being made toward the capacity to replicate any scenario as well as rebuild criminal
scenes. The advantage of this method is that "the information in the course of an examination is
received by the investigator and is perceived by him/her directly, which minimizes its distortion."
Chukumov and Dilbarkhanovna (2018), p.67.
Three-dimensional reconstructions of crime scenes go hand in hand with virtual reality and
augmented reality reconstructions. However, the detectives employ a virtual reality headset or a
projection of the crime scene in place of a computer screen. Additionally, these reconstructions
are used to ensure that justice is done properly. During the prosecutions of Herdsmen killings,
investigators in Nigeria employed these techniques. According to Ajah et al. (2020), it is
frequently not feasible for judges to visit crime scenes, which may have a significant impact on
how defendants are prosecuted in terror cases. Judges might benefit greatly from an AR system's
ability to explain how events transpired. Judges benefit from AR by being able to experience
terrorist crime sites firsthand and generate more knowledgeable opinions about the offense.
(pg17).
Entrapment, a sting operation that aims to find and apprehend dangerous offenders, is
another contemporary technique. However, entrapment is a particularly sensitive topic in the
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world of counterterrorism investigations. According to Norris (2019), sting operations conducted
after 9/11 were far less effective due to the original concept's abuse and misrepresentation. He
claims, however, that even though the defendants would not have been able to execute terror acts
on their own, government informants have aggressively attempted to convince people who had
no prior terrorist intents in several post-9/11 investigations (Said, 2015). According to Norris and
Grol-Prokopczyk (2015), informants have in certain instances tried to radicalize defendants, put
them under constant pressure, or promised them hundreds of thousands of cash in exchange for
committing a terrorist act. It is highly doubtful that many of the accused could have committed
acts of terrorism on their own since they were either mentally ill or so dysfunctional or unskilled
(Aaronson, 2013, Pg 467).
Method Advancement in how terrorist groups may take advantage of the
disenfranchisement of young people.
As previously said, certain approaches require modification or growth to be more valuable to
the research area. Entrapment is, without a doubt, one of these ways. Norris (2019) discovered
high levels of stereotyping and racial profiling when sting operations were carried out. Another
option is forensic linguistics, which, while not as commonly employed as entrapment, is simply
underutilized, and not officially acknowledged as a valid investigation method. People who
reside in conflict zones are motivated by pain, retaliation, and violence; they also experience
losses of land and authority. Most cases are brought about by the murder, torture, or injury of
community members, especially those who are close to them, as well as by a high level of
exposure to terrorist organizations, their support networks, and their ideology. Those who reside
outside of war zones have an identity crisis; those who become involved frequently experience
disempowerment, alienation, marginalization, discrimination, and unfulfilled dreams.
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Policy Recommendations and Forensic Linguistics Benefits and Disadvantages
“Can we extract or deduce information about the author(s) of illegal activities (a specific
author, a group; or extract information about the author(s), for example age, gender, level of
education, etc.)?” (Longhi, 2021, p. 1). Linguistic traits (temporality, anteriority/posteriority, etc.)
might provide information on an event or facts. 1 (Longhi, 2021). Linguistics can help detectives
identify instances in which criminals are speaking about crimes instead of just talking about their
daily lives, help convict the offenders, and stop them from talking to others. Nonetheless, a few
drawbacks stand out significantly. One of its characteristics is that it functions virtually solely
over the Internet (Longhi, 2021).
The advantages of in-person language investigations are outweighed by the training, costs,
time, and risk associated with espionage operations. Online linguistics research offers a
significant advantage, though: it is largely automated. Naturally, there is still some margin for
error, but at least the burden of trying to find a surplus of competent workers is lessened. The
area of investigative tactics has also seen the introduction of a more recent, still-evolving tool
called microbiological forensics. Using this approach, the challenge of categorizing bioterrorism
is addressed. Since the Roman Empire, centuries have passed, and bioterrorism has existed. It is
exceedingly difficult to distinguish between a sickness, parasite, etc. that arises spontaneously
and one that is created as part of a biological attack in the absence of current technologies.
Microbe analysis, materials required to produce, stabilize, and deliver the toxin or pathogen,
fingerprints, hair, fiber, and pollen are all included in the category of microbial forensics,
according to Mir et al. (2022). In the field of microbial forensics, laboratory testing includes
molecular sequencing, microbiological cultures, biochemistry, electron microscopy,
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crystallography, and mass spectrometry. page 4. Despite being novel, this approach will assist in
assessing the true danger level and if further investigation and/or prosecution is necessary.
Biblical Worldview
Accurate information is crucial to accomplish justice and to be just in God's eyes. This is the
reason why, while looking into terrorist acts and crimes in general, the most recent techniques
must be used. The pace of counterterrorism measures will rise, fewer innocent arrests will be
made, fewer terrorist acts and crimes will be successful, and flaws in out-of-date procedures will
be corrected, along with the creation of new ways. The purpose of the criminal justice system is
stated quite plainly in Proverbs 21:15 and Psalms 82:4: “The exercise of justice is a joy for the
righteous, but terror to those who practice injustice.” and "Save the poor and defenseless; deliver
them from the evildoer's grasp." Furthermore, the Bible strongly condemns the killing of
innocent people. The Bible criticizes those who use violence against the defenseless and
inoffensive repeatedly (Deuteronomy 27:25; Proverbs 6:16–18). Additionally chastised are those
who employ typical terrorist strategies like striking civilians and attempting to incite terror
(Jeremiah 7:6; 19:4; 22:3, 17). Employing ambush strategies to eliminate a single person is
considered murder, even in small-scale situations (Deuteronomy 19:11).
Conclusion
Despite the abundance of terrorist research techniques available, advancements can and need
to be produced wherever feasible. Reconstructing crime scenes virtually and artificially improves
judgment and reduces misunderstandings. Even while entrapment techniques aren't as prejudiced
as they were a few years ago, the operations' conductors are still human and could always need
more accountability and training. Better management of online environments to make them safer
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for regular users is made possible by forensic linguistics. The more artificial intelligence and
technology advance, the more online criminal activities may be decreased. Finally,
microbiological forensics makes it possible to identify if a sickness, parasite, etc. is a component
of a larger, evil scheme more accurately and quickly.
What sets a Christian apart from the rest is their practice of love in the face of hardship
(John 13:35). This is a moment for us to extend Christ's love to those who need feeling it in the
chilly days after a loss, in addition to our fellow believers.
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References
Ajah, B. O., Ajah, I. A., & Obasi, C. O. (2020). Application of virtual reality (VR) and
augmented reality (AR) in the investigation and trial of Herdsmen terrorism in Nigeria.
International Journal of Criminal Justice Sciences, 15(1), 1-20.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3792776
Chukumov, G. B. & Dilbarkhanova, Z. R. (2018). Features of technical and criminalistic support
of investigative actions in the investigation of crimes related to terrorism. Journal of Advanced
Research in Law and Economics, 9(1), 65-71. https://doi.org/10.14505/jarle.v9.1(31).09
CIA. (2023). Terrorist Organizations. The World Factbook. https://www.cia.gov/the-world-
factbook/references/terrorist-organizations/
FBI. (2021). Strategic intelligence assessment and data on domestic terrorism. FBI, 1-40.
https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/fbi-dhs-domestic-terrorism-strategic-report.pdf/view
Longhi, J. (2021). Using digital humanities and linguistics to help with terrorism investigations.
Forensic Science International, 318, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110564
Mir, T. U. G., Wani, A. K., Akhtar, N., Sena, S., & Singh, J. (2022). Microbial forensics: A
potential tool for investigation and response to bioterrorism. Health Sciences Review, 5, 1-6.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hsr.2022.100068
Norris, J. J. (2019). Explaining the emergence of entrapment in post-9/11 terrorism
investigations. Critical Criminology, 27(3), 467-483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10612-019-09438-
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The Lockman Foundation. (2020). New American Standard Bible.
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