Preventing Terrorist Suicide Attacks by
Michael Aman
As a subject matter expert in
law enforcement, I often take assignments as a
pre-publication technical reviewer for publishing houses. Some weeks ago I was
asked to review the
law enforcement related portion of an upcoming
Administration of
Criminal Justice text book for Jones and
Barlett Publishers. In addition to monetary compensation, I was allowed to
choose a copy of any of their titles. Naturally, I choose a book written by a
cop and that was listed on
www.police-writers.com.
Michael Aman, a detective with the
El Paso Police Department (Texas) is the author
of Preventing Terrorist Suicide Attacks.
Michael Amans book is a practical look at
suicide attacks and the information is squarely aimed at the first responders
such as police officers and security officials. While the book is brief, only
90 or so pages, it has an extraordinarily high ratio of words to ideas. That
is, there is a ton of information succulently presented in the book.
The book is divided into two sections: the first discusses
the
terrorist and
terrorists groups that use human beings as
delivery mechanisms; the second section uses the
terrorists own methodology as a means to
explore prevention. As an example, in the first section,
Michael Aman covers the objectives of a suicide
tactics. This becomes important because by
understanding objectives and motivation, the first responder gets a clearer
picture on what to look for, beforehand.
In the second section Aman concentrates on presenting the
reader with practical means for prevention. As an example, on page 44, Aman
provides a simple, yet powerful matrix with which to evaluate potential
targets. The section on prevention has checklists, prevention tips,
self-assessment questions and clear learning objects.
While the book makes an excellent reference for the first
responder, its hidden potential may be to first line supervisors in
law enforcement and private security, and those
officers involved in bomb disposal units.
Michael Amans book was developed as a result
of his teaching a course on the subject. Therefore, the book is a teaching
tool. If you are supervisor (in
law enforcement or security) you should own
this book so that you can teach your subordinates.
Michael Aman lays out a clear path for you to
increase your knowledge and the discussion questions are perfect for training at
briefings, etc. If you are working in a bomb disposal unit, well, you are an
expert. But, Michael, again, has given you a tool, already designed to use as a
means to share your knowledge and expertise within your organization and
community.
About Michael Aman
Michael Aman was a commissioned officer in the
German Air Force from 1984 to 1993. Upon immigrating to the United States he
joined the
El Paso Police Department and has risen to the
rank of detective.
Michael Aman has served in the Gang Unit, Cold
Case Squad,
Criminal Investigations Division, Dignitary
Protection Unit, and the Patrol Division.
Michael Aman has an MBA from the German Armed
Forces University. During his
law enforcement career, Michael Aman Developed
a course for law enforcement officials called Defense Against Terrorist Suicide
Attacks. Eventually, that course let to the book Preventing Suicide Terrorist
Attacks.
About the reviewer
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA is a 24 year
veteran of
law enforcement. In his retirement he is a
university professor and writer. He is the author of
Police Technology; Leadership: Texas Hold em Style.
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