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PDD 62: Combating Terrorism



PDD 62, issued in 1998, strengthens the roles and responsibilities of the Federal agencies in responding to and preventing terrorism. Some of the responsibilities include capturing and prosecuting terrorists; improving security of the airlines, waterways, and roads; and protecting the nation's computer-based systems that play an integral role in the U.S. economy.

In order to reach these objectives, PDD 62 created the Office of the National Coordinator for Security, Infrastructure Protection and Counter-terrorism. The National Coordinator works as part of the National Security Council and reports to the President through the assistant to the President for national security affairs. The National Coordinator offers advice for counter-terrorism budgets and takes the lead in developing crisis management guidelines. In addition he/she oversees policies and programs relating to counter-terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, terrorism preparedness, and consequence management for weapons of mass destruction.