Investigating Terrorism: Current Political, Legal and Psychological Issues

How can we be more effective in bringing terrorists to justice in ways that uphold our legal traditions? This book provides crucial clues drawn from highly experienced prosecution and defence lawyers, detectives, security experts and forensic psychologists. I highly recommend it for all who want to understand and respond to the serious threat from jihadist terrorism over the years to come.―Professor Sir David Omand, former UK Security and Intelligence Coordinator, Permanent Secretary of the Home Office and Director GCHQ

The threat of terrorism is a dark shadow which affects all citizens throughout the world. In this well constructed book a group of eminent experts with extensive experience in the field provides valuable discussion of the causes and wider consequences of terrorism as well as its circumvention, investigation and prosecution. It comprises a substantial body of precious insight and guidance which will be of unquestionable value to policy and law makers, police investigators, Judges and legal practitioners. Those who are active in this sphere would be well advised to familiarise themselves with its contents. I very strongly recommend it.―Anthony Heaton-Armstrong, practising barrister at 9 - 12 Bell Yard

Edited and written by experts in their fields and with a plethora of experience, the authors know what they are talking about. This book is a must for those who need to know, those who are interested to know, and those who think they know it all already.―Susan Young, Professor of Forensic Clinical Psychology, Broadmoor Hospital, West London Mental Health Trust

First-rank expertise on the detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist crime accompanies insights into the motives of its perpetrators. The combination is unusual, welcome and thought-provoking.―David Anderson Q.C., Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation

A collection of very informative papers from many of the experts in the front line of confronting, analysing, detecting and dealing with terrorism and terrorist suspects. It confirms that we have no room for complacency, that we are still learning and there is still much to be done.―Alastair Logan, OBE, LLB. Solicitor and member of The Law Society's Human Rights Committee

Investigating Terrorism takes a look behind the closed doors of terrorist cases, and at the entire judicial process of these cases from heated debates in both Houses of Parliament, through arrest, prosecution and imprisonment. In doing so, it confronts many of the crucial political, enforcement, legal and psychological issues currently influencing major decision makers in this arena.

Specialist contributors discuss recently-released research into the effectiveness of front-line counter terrorism officers in their dealings with terrorist suspects, including the findings from a study commissioned by New Scotland Yard into the effectiveness of police interviews with terrorist suspects. Also included are strategic reviews of many of the major legislative changes and subsequent high profile legal challenges that have repeatedly undermined government policy. Contributors provide a clear psychological understanding of aspects of terrorist behaviour, including insights into what drives individuals to become suicide bombers.

Contributions come from both senior police officers and psychologists. Contributors Lord Carlile, the former HMG’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorist legislation, and Peter Clarke, the recently retired Head of Terrorist Investigations for the UK, combine academic credentials and understanding with substantial policy or practitioner experience. This combination of perspectives ensures a holistic and richly informed view of the subject and issues.

John Pearse is Vice President of the Paul Ekman Group and the Managing Director of Forensic Navigation Services Ltd, an independent company that combines forensic consultancy and investigation with psychological training and empirical research. He has provided counter-terrorist advice and training around the world and has designed and delivered a number of acclaimed international multi-agency counter terrorism seminars. John has been researching the area of interviewing and interrogation and terrorist related issues since 1991, and is a visiting lecturer at a number of colleges within the University of London.