some eager to tackle the question again while others caution against a knee-jerk reaction.

The mayor, who was unaware of the alleged bomb plot and the FBI sting operation to thwart it until after the arrest, said Monday he's asked the city attorney's office to determine if any relevant federal laws have changed in the past five years. He told the city attorney to use this case to question what would have been different if the city had been a task force participant.

Federal officials say the short answer is: Portland police would have been involved earlier, with a deeper role in the inquiry and would be working side-by-side with task force investigators.

Adams, who serves as police commissioner, likely would have been briefed on non-classified information. At the least, hewould have known the Police Bureau was involved in a national security investigation.Specifics on whose e-mails were being intercepted or other details would not have been shared because the mayor lacks secret clearance for classified information.

Reese said FBI Special Agent in Charge Arthur Balizan alerted him in September of the inquiry that began in August 2009. The chief assigned command staff and criminal intelligence officers to assist. He said his officers' role was limited to logistic planning and support for the sting operation and arrest.

"Once the suspect indicated the tree-lighting ceremony was his target of choice, Art Balizan called to let me know, and we offered up whatever resources he needed to assist," Reese said.

The chief said he didn't hesitate when the FBI requested help."It was clear to