Terrorism's mental aspects discussed

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missourians are less likely to panic in a terrorist attack if they are educated about efforts to deal with such a possibility, members of a state security panel said Tuesday.

The Missouri Security Council, established by an executive order signed last month by Gov. Bob Holden, met for the first time just east of Jefferson City to discuss ways to coordinate homeland security activities among state agencies and local governments. Among the issues addressed by the 14-member panel was how to best keep the public informed about real and perceived threats related to a terrorist attack.

"Any accurate knowledge is really important for the general public," said Dorn Schuffman, director of the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Schuffman, a panel member, said the very purpose of terrorism is to inflict both physical and psychological damage to those who are its victims.

Educating the public

Tim Daniel, the state's homeland security adviser, said having an educated public would help government deal with people in emergencies.

"We do need to make sure they have the coping skills so they will cooperate with government," Daniel said.

Daniel said the council should not be seen as something that comforts people but rather as something that can be used to educate them.

"Just because we have a council now, I don't think it meets their psychological needs," Daniel said. "Of course, the vast majority of people are very tough and able to deal with uncertainty and challenge. The problem is that society has become so complex that the hysteria and fear of the few can really cause problems to our capabilities."

The council is expected to build on earlier recommendations by the Missouri Security Panel, which was created by Holden shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks.