According to Melamed, local and state law enforcement agencies, which include their bomb disposal units, cannot legally use radio-frequency jamming equipment to protect themselves and the public against deadly remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs) used by terrorists.
Remote-controlled devices, including garage door openers and mobile phones, have been used in a number of terrorist attacks around the world. Iraqi insurgents commonly use RCIEDs, building them with hobbyist-grade remote-controlled devices and cellular phones. Melamed says RCIEDs are the choice weapon of terrorists around the world because they are inexpensive and can easily be made. Because of this, he says, attacks in the United States using RCIEDs could be imminent.
In a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Melamed, citing the Communications Act of 1934, said Federal Communications Commission hasmaintained its ban on the use of radio-frequency jamming equipment by any state and local law-enforcement agency, including bomb squads. Melamed believes it is imperative DHS move swiftly toward either asking Congress to modify the Communications Act of 1934 or exerting its own authority in these matters by allowing the use of this technology by state and local government agencies, especially bomb-disposal units.
"Congress passed the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which specifically states and defines the need for government agencies to provide for the protection of the public, equipment used in the defense of the nation against terrorism and the need for emergency response providers to acquire the technology needed for this defense," Melamed wrote in his letter to Chertoff. "Section 502 of the act indicates that responsibility of emergency preparedness is the responsibility of DHS. Given these facts, Mr. Secretary, I believe that you are well within your power to correct this dangerous situation."
For additional information regarding jamming equipment, its uses and restrictions, visit www.cellantenna.com.
