Full Notification

“BOLO”--{BE ON THE LOOKOUT}

We must remain constantly aware and prepared.
The possibilities of reprisals resulting from the death of Al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, forces us as American Citizens to be ever vigilant of the war against terrorism.


Know the routines. Be alert as you go about your daily business. This will help you to learn the normal routines of your neighborhood, community, and workplace. Understanding these routines will help you to spot anything out of place.

Be aware. Get to know your neighbors at home and while traveling. Be on the lookout for suspicious activities such as unusual conduct in your neighborhood, in your workplace, or while traveling. Learn to spot suspicious packages, luggage, or mail abandoned in a crowded place like an office building, an airport, a school, or a shopping center.

Take what you hear seriously. If you hear or know of someone who has bragged or talked about plans to harm citizens in violent attacks or who claims membership in a terrorist organization, take it seriously and report to it law enforcement immediately.

What should you do with a suspicious piece of mail?

Do not handle a letter or package that you suspect is contaminated. Stay away from the package and don’t shake it, bump it, or sniff it. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Notify local law enforcement authorities immediately.

Know how to observe. Know what is suspicious. Know how to report. Know what to report. Know what happens next.

Indicators

Below are seven potential indicators/signs of terrorism that first responders and citizens should be on the lookout for:

– Surveillance: Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.

– Elicitation: Attempts to obtain operation, security and personnel-related information regarding a key facility. May be made by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone or in person.

– Tests of Security: Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

– Acquiring Supplies: Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges or the equipment to manufacture false identification.

– Suspicious Persons: Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to their behavior, including unusual questions or statements they make.

– Dry Runs/Trial Runs: Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

– Deploying Assets: Placing people, equipment and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.