Untitled Document

7 August 2002

TERRORISM EXPERT TO DEMONSTRATE ALARMING DROP IN EFFORTS TO PREVENT NEXT TERRORIST ATTACK

Source: PR Newswire

Terrorism prevention expert Dr. Saul B. Wilen explained to a U.S. Secret Service Task Force how the nation's efforts to prevent the next terrorist attack are declining, despite the fact that another attack is highly likely.

Dr. Wilen presented his findings as the featured speaker before The U.S. Secret Service Task Force on Electronic Crimes and Terrorism in New York City.

The task force met at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan. In addition to U.S. Secret Service members, the meeting was attended by members of Congress and the New York State Legislature, law enforcement personnel, IT managers, corporate CEOs, government officials, legal professionals, and others concerned about terrorist threats.

"Our continuing analyses of public documents show an alarming and progressive decrease in efforts to prevent terrorism throughout America," Dr. Wilen said. "This is of major concern since high-level government officials warn that the next terrorist attack is 'Not If, But When.' Additionally, we are finding increased disengagement of Americans from the War on Terrorism. The reasons why this is happening will be explored."

In his presentation, Dr. Wilen recommended solutions. He demonstrated the major roles that educational strategies play in supporting and enhancing terrorism prevention. He raised the issue as to why little or nothing is being done to educate the American people to bring them into active participation to prevent terrorism.

During the past few months, Dr. Wilen has presented preliminary findings to the Western Governors Association and the National Governors Association, at their annual meetings. More extensive information is now available.

"Even the indicators for preparedness to respond to terrorism suggest that our cities and counties are much less ready than expected," Wilen emphasized. "This is a major challenge especially in light of the overwhelming majority of our efforts (greater than 80 percent) targeted for response/reaction."

Dr. Wilen is President and CEO of International Horizons Unlimited (http://www.intlhorizons.com ) of San Antonio, Texas, a terrorism prevention think-tank and consulting firm. He is a member of the U.S. Secret Service Task Force on Electronic Crimes and Terrorism, the U.S. Department of Commerce Infrastructure Assurance Working Group on Community Preparedness, and a consultant to the Best Practices Institute of the National Governors Association. CONTACT: John Boffa, +1-202-466-6977, for International Horizons Unlimited; or Dr. Saul Wilen of International Horizons Unlimited, +1-210-692-1268, or +1-210-363-4329