Anti-terrorist plan decided by Govt

Press, 7 March 1978, Page 3

Anti-terrorist plan decided by Govt

Wellington The criteria under which the armed forces would support the police in an antiterrorist operation were announced yesterday by the Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon). The criteria were decided by the Cabinet committee on terrorism. Mr Muldoon said that police and service personnel were being trained together in anti-terrorist work. Any request for assistance during a terrorist operation would be subject to the criteria that the operation involved a threat or act of terrorist activity, as distinct from common criminal activity, and that it would be beyond the total capability of the police to handle effectively. Specific areas where assitance might be requested could include: Where increased or more sophisticated firepower was

needed than could be provided by the police.

Where the situation called for trained troops, with specialised skills for an assault entry to building.

Where there was a need for explosives to gain entry or for the neutralisation of terrorist equipment. Situations where bombdisposal experts were needed to determine the exact nature of a terrorist explosive device and to neutralise it. The provision of armoured personnel carriers for the movement of personnel within an “incident” area. The provision of trained military personnel for guarding key points or establish® ing a defensive perimeter by land, sea or air. The provision of specialised communications facilities.

I The tactical use of heli- | copters.

The provision of logistical support such as transport, catering, and accommodation. Mr Muldoon said that in the event of a threat or actj of terrorism, the Commis-1 sioner of Police would besolely responsible for decid-1 ing whether additional assi-i tance was required. The commissioner would make the initial request to the Chief of Defence Staff and at the same time advise the Minister of Police of the relevant details. The Chief of Defence Staff would advise the Minister of Defence and seek approval for the deployment of appropriate Defence resources in support of the police.

In the event of a terrorist incident, the Commissioner of Police would be responsible for the over-all conduct of the counter-terrorist opera ation.