8 Signs of Terrorism

In these new and challenging times, we have a duty to help protect our communities. We can help provide safety and security in our area by remaining vigilant and reporting unusual behavior or events immediately.

Indicators of a potential event may occur weeks, months, or even years apart. Documenting details of events or behaviors witnessed is important, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Terrorist operations usually begin with extensive planning. You can help prevent and detect terrorism — and other types of crime — by watching out for suspicious activities and reporting them to the proper authorities.

Surveillance: Someone recording or monitoring activities. This may include the use of cameras, note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices.

Elicitation: People or organizations attempting to gain information about operations, capabilities, or people. Elicitation attempts may be made by mail, email, telephone, or in person. This could also include eavesdropping or friendly conversation.

Tests of Security: Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches, attempts to penetrate physical security barriers, or monitor procedures in order to assess strengths and weakness.

Funding: Suspicious transactions involving large cash payments, deposits, or withdrawals. Collections for donations, the solicitation for money, and criminal activity are common signs of terrorist funding.

Supplies: Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc. This also includes acquiring military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges (or the equipmentto manufacture such items), and any other controlled items.

Impersonation: People who don’t seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment, or anywhere else.

Rehearsal: Putting people in position and moving them around according to their plan without actually committing the terrorist act.

Deployment: People and supplies getting into position to commit the act. This is the person’s last chance to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.