July 8, 2005

Homeland security expert can discuss London attacks

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University expert says the bomb blasts in London during morning rush hour traffic on Thursday (July 7) illustrate that public transportation represents a special homeland security challenge.

Alok Chaturvedi (a-LOKE CHAT-ur-ve-di), director of Purdue's Homeland Security Institute, said, "Securing mass transit system will always be a challenge. It requires a fine balance between security and public convenience.

"However, we do need to rethink our approach to securing public transportation systems as they are most vulnerable to these types of attacks. Cities should adapt a realistic approach to preparedness. Every community has limited resources and a unique set of vulnerabilities. As such, the solutions must also be unique."

Chaturvedi said fighting terrorism is, by definition, a work in progress.

"Terror cells are always at work and require that we develop innovative and adaptable means of analyzing information and responding to unique threats," he said.

"While the terrorists were successful in this attack, authorities will do a complete postmortem on the incident. This analysis will pick up key signatures of the network, their approach, their logistics, communication patterns, coordination and the like. We will learn from this and thwart many of their future attempts."

Chaturvedi also can discuss transportation system security issues and terrorist organization and communication.

CONTACT: Chaturvedi, (765) 494-9793, alok@purdue.edu, 9-11:30 a.m. and 3:30-5 p.m. today (Friday, July 8); (765) 494-9048, Saturday and Sunday (July 9-10).

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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