Full Notification

Like all Americans, the NPD is deeply shocked by the bombing of the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013. It is sad that anytime a bomb explodes in public place we are conditioned as a first reflex to think of it as a terrorist attack; but unfortunately, in this instance it appears that our fears have been realized.

This terrorist attack comes during a week when we ALL should already be on a heightened alert because of the history of extremist-related events that have taken place during the week of April 20th, including the Columbine High School massacre, the Oklahoma City bombing and the federal raid of the Branch Davidian Compound in Waco, Texas. It is clear that someone intentionally chose the marathon in an effort to inflict mass casualties, and whoever carried out the attack was possibly motivated by extremist views.

The days leading up to the week of April 20, which also coincides with Hitler’s birthday, is a period which is widely celebrated by extremists, so please remain vigilant. While we are aware of no specific threat to citizens or institutions in the City of Newark, we urge ALL to remain alert to your surroundings. We recommend the following action steps to help keep us all safe:

• Ensure that your family members know their role in personal security and what to do in the event of an emergency.
• Ensure that your place of employment institution's rules and procedures dealing with who gets into your facility are sufficient and are functioning (access control).
• Suspicious behavior should be promptly reported to the police and or security personnel.
• Suspicious packages and strange devices, such as abandoned property or back packs, should be promptly reported to the police or security personnel.
• Trust your instincts! If something strikes you as being out of place or problematic, call the police immediately.
• See the FBI Advisory on what to do if you receive a suspicious letter or package by clicking the following link http://archive.adl.org/security/fbi.pdf

Security is a long-term process that cannot be efficiently or effectively deployed only when there is a bulletin, advisory or alert. It is important to think about personal security procedures and discuss them with friends and family on a regular basis.