View article

Public risk perception and risk communication are very important considerations when developing policies and management strategies for dealing with terrorism. For example, the allocation of scarce resources for protecting the public against terrorists depends on public perceptions as well as on the perceptions of policy makers and experts. The consequences of terrorist acts will be also be affected by the quality and effectiveness of communicating with the public. In addition, public perceptions will affect behavior after attacks, for example due to fear of flying after an attack on commercial aircraft. The economic impacts due to public perceptions are likely to go well beyond the attack's direct consequences.

Recognizing the importance of risk perception and risk communication, all six DHS funded Research and Education Centers have ongoing activities in these areas. At least three centers (CREATE, START, and …