STAYING SAFE — “America’s Crime Prevention Column”
with
Bruce Mandelblit
Once again, the real potential of a terror attack taking place in the United States is making headlines. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has recently charged multiple suspects in an alleged terrorism investigation. According to media reports, the target of this alleged terror attack may have been various high traffic locations in New York City.
In addition, the FBI and Homeland Security have issued law enforcement bulletins asking for heightened awareness for possible terror attacks at luxury hotels, entertainment venues, sports stadiums and other locations that may attract crowds of people.
The headline of this column posed this important question: Can you really help stop a terror attack?
Well, according to the FBI, the answer is YES.
The FBI says there are 7 things you could do that might help prevent a terrorist from carrying out their evil and horrific acts of violence:
1 — Surveillance: Are you aware of anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., near key facilities/events?
2 — Suspicious Questioning: Are you aware of anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email, etc., regarding a key facility or people who work there?
3 — Tests of Security: Are you aware of any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event?
4 — Acquiring Supplies: Are you aware of anyone attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility/event or to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances that could be used in a terrorist attack?
5 — Suspicious Persons: Are you aware of anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or near a key facility/event?
6 — “Dry Runs”: Have you observed any behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios with other people, monitoring key facilities/events, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities?
7 — Deploying Assets: Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials, or persons being deployed near a key facility/event?
Quick Security Tip: Per the FBI, if you answered yes to any of the above … if you have observed any suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism … immediately contact the Joint Terrorist Task Force or law enforcement/counterterrorism agency closest to you.
According to the FBI, no matter where you live in the world: Your assistance is needed in preventing terrorist acts.
It’s a fact that certain kinds of activities can indicate terrorist plans that are in the works, especially when they occur at or near high profile sites or places where large numbers of people gather — like government buildings, military facilities, utilities, bus or train stations, major public events. Again, if you see or know about suspicious activities, like the ones listed above, report them immediately to the proper law enforcement authorities.
For more information on this vital subject, go to FBI.gov.
My Final Thoughts: Americans must do their part to help keep our country safe. All of us can be the extra eyes and ears of law enforcement by immediately reporting any suspicious activities to the proper authorities. Like the FBI says: Your tip could save the lives of innocent people, just like you and yours.
(Threat Level Chart above from dhs.gov)
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Copyright 2009 by Bruce Mandelblit
Bruce is a nationally known security and safety journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve law enforcement officer.
Bruce blogs on www.CrimeZilla.com.
This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.
The information in this article is provided “as is”, with all faults, expressed or implied. The author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information. In no event shall the author and/or publisher and/or copyright holder be liable for any incidental or consequential damages, punitive damages, lost profits, and/or any indirect damages.
