In 1979, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) first used the concept of combining federal and local law enforcement capabilities due to an overwhelming number of bank robberies. Because the concept proved valuable, administrators eventually applied it to the counterterrorism program. Prior to the establishment of the JTTF, an ad hoc task force of local and federal authorities would form to investigate each new terrorist case.

The idea behind the establishment of the JTTF was a simple one. Once established, the task force would remain in place, becoming a close-knit, cohesive unit capable of addressing the complex problems inherent in terrorism investigations.

Originally the JTTF began with 11 members from the NYPD and 11 FBI investigators. Today's task force, 1 of 16 nationwide, includes more than 140 members representing numerous federal and local agencies, such as the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the New York State Police, the NewYork/New Jersey Port Authority Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service.

All agencies participating in the JTTF sign a formal memorandum of understanding that clearly states the task force's two objectives:

• reactive: to respond to and investigate terrorist incidents or terrorist-related criminal activity; and
• proactive: to investigate domestic and foreign terrorist groups and individuals target ing or operating within the New York metropolitan area for the purpose of detecting, preventing, and prosecuting their criminal activity.