ABSTRACT
Critical incidents can have a profound impact upon communities across the nation. Traditionally, emergency preparedness was viewed as a primary function of law enforcement. Similarly, there was little collaboration regarding the nature of risks and threats between the public and private sectors. Private security and law enforcement often operated in separate silos and engaged in problem-solving in isolation. Furthermore, the attacks of September 11, 2001, and more recently, Hurricane Katrina, illustrate the inability of local government agencies to adequately respond to man-made and natural disasters. These events resulted in significant cultural, political, and social change in the daily lives of Americans. Furthermore, they demonstrate the need to engage in cooperative efforts to address safety and security. Therefore, understanding the dynamics between the sectors can lead to more thoughtful solutions for crisis management.
