Public Safety agencies have what percentage chance of finding an explosive device when they are aware of terrorist activity?

Public Safety agencies have what percentage chance of finding an explosive device when they are aware of terrorist activity?

• A. 5%
• B. 50%
• C. 20%
• D. 75%

Answer: (C)

When there is knowledge of terrorist activity, searches are intensified but not guaranteed to find every explosive device. The realistic expectation reflects that only a portion of devices will be located even with heightened attention, because many devices can be well concealed, mislabeled, or placed in areas that are difficult to search thoroughly in a timely manner. A commonly used, practical estimate for this scenario is about 20 percent, recognizing that some devices are found while many others may go undetected despite concerted effort. The higher figures imply near certainty, which isn’t typically achievable in the field, and the very low figure underestimates what is possible with focused attention and resources.

When there is knowledge of terrorist activity, searches are intensified but not guaranteed to find every explosive device. The realistic expectation reflects that only a portion of devices will be located even with heightened attention, because many devices can be well concealed, mislabeled, or placed in areas that are difficult to search thoroughly in a timely manner. A commonly used, practical estimate for this scenario is about 20 percent, recognizing that some devices are found while many others may go undetected despite concerted effort. The higher figures imply near certainty, which isn’t typically achievable in the field, and the very low figure underestimates what is possible with focused attention and resources.