Phoenix from the Ashes: Utilizing Expert Experiences to Better Respond to Acts of Terror.

Terrorism poses complex challenges to American government at all levels. Due to the complexity of the threat, Americans cannot expect government to be able to deter or intervene in every terrorist attack. For that reason, government must plan to be better prepared to respond to acts of terror. To date, little has been done to learn more about how bureaucracies can better plan to respond to acts of terror. A critical element of this learning must include some understanding of what constitutes effective response. This paper presents preliminary findings of an intensive study of the response to the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City in 1995. The paper examines the existing literature on both the challenges of bureaucracy and emergency response. It concludes with preliminary findings based on interviews conducted in Oklahoma City with individuals who participated in the response efforts there in elite capacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]