Information processing under stress: A study of Mumbai Police first responders

The unprecedented terrorist attacks in India on November 26, 2008 tested conventional anti-terrorism response mechanisms of the law enforcement agencies. In this study we explore the information processing that governed the first response from the Mumbai Police department towards these attacks. This study was conducted through interviews and survey with officers from two distinct groups within the department. One of these groups played a strategic role (Control Room) while the other played a tactical role (Zone 1) in shaping the early response that was critical in subduing the attacks. Our findings have been used to propose recommendations for law enforcement.