STAYING SAFE — “America’s Crime Prevention Column”
with
Bruce Mandelblit
Once again, the potential of a terror attack taking place within the United States is making worldwide headlines. On Christmas Day, a Nigerian man allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device onboard a Northwest airliner with about 300 passengers. In fact, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stated they are putting in place increased security measures in the United States, as well as internationally.
It is a wonderful holiday blessing that no innocent people were seriously injured during this alleged attempted act of terrorism.
With the real threat of terrorism in our lives everyday since the terrible attacks of September 11, 2001, an important question to ask is:
Can you really help prevent a terror attack?
According to the FBI, the answer is yes.
The FBI says there are seven things you could do that might help prevent a terrorist from carrying out his or her act.
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, e-mail, 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 would-be terrorist plans, 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, and 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 www.FBI.gov.
My Final Thoughts: Americans must do their part to help keep the 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 may be able to help save the lives of innocent people.
(Alert Level graphic from DHS.gov)
Click here to read a CrimeZilla.com article about Overseas Travel Security: http://www.crimezilla.com/2009/12/beware-of-the-risks-of-overseas-holiday-travel/
*********
Please note: All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.
