Abstract
Purpose. The study's purpose was to analyze the administrative paradigm of "task forcing" used by Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies as they cooperate and interact with each other in response to domestic, terrorism. Inter-agency relationships were analyzed. The study assessed how multi-jurisdictional task forcing has been implemented as an administrative instrument which centralizes inter-agency cooperation and gives attention to issues ranging from policy formulation to management of inter-agency conflict. The study concluded, from a public administration perspective, that an administrative paradigm which is centralized, proactive, and utilizes Federal, State, and Local law enforcement resources is a beneficial model in addressing the issues which emerge from domestic terrorism. Theoretical framework. The theoretical framework of the study was constructed from several components. It utilized principles of Weberian bureaucracy and Classical and Neoclassical Administrative theory. It also incorporated concepts from the Structuralist and Network Management schools of thought. Because administration of MultiJurisdictional Task Forcing networks stresses centralization and is characterized by a hybrid nature, the theoretical framework for the study also utilized the principles and theories governing inter-governmental relations, policy networks, conflict resolution, policy formulation and assessment, and strategic planning and management. Methodology. The study employed historiographic review and case study analysis of past and present policies. Program evaluation, strategic assessment, and conflict resolution were applied using quantitative and qualitative data collection and assessment. Findings and recommendations. The study concluded that administrative and organizational theories relating to centralization rather than decentralization are the proper administrative theories to apply in addressing the issues raised by the study. Further efforts toward administrative and organizational assessment at all three levels of law enforcement which unifies and consolidates existing and emerging crossjurisdictional efforts must be made.