|
It is
important to the Dallas Police Department that citizens are alert,
vigilant and report suspicious activity. That responsibility is
even more important since the attacks of 9/11/2001 on the U.S.
Citizens are asked to be aware of their surroundings and report
suspicious activity. A quick accurate description of events can
make a big difference in both Criminal and Terrorism related
investigations.
Terrorist acts are often well planned
incidents that sometimes have taken months or years of pre-incident planning.
Terror operatives work hard to blend into the community but actual community members
are the most likely to spot suspicious behavior because they recognize unusual activity.
Many ‘pre-incident’ activities are not crimes. While these behaviors may not be
illegal, they may well bear scrutiny, to determine if they are part of a larger
operation. You can help us by acting as our eyes and ears. No one Indicator
alone necessarily indicates suspicion, it’s normally a combination.
Possible Indicators of Suspicious
or Terrorist Activities:
- Unusual or extended
interest in public utilities, large public gatherings, transportation centers, government
buildings and other possible terrorist targets.
- Unusual requests
for information, particularly about security or procedures for at-risk buildings.
- Suspects may
possess Forged, Altered or Stolen Identifications
- May try to have
a “cover story” or appear ‘normal’ in their behavior such as portraying a student
or tourist
- Identity Documents
may be in various names
- May carry and
use large amounts of cash
- Unusual rentals,
purchases, deliveries, or thefts, particularly of poisonous or flammable chemicals,
explosives, weapons or vehicles (including planes or boats).
- Multiple sightings
of the same suspicious person, vehicle, or activity.
- Individuals sitting
in a parked car for an extended period of time.
- Individuals who
don't fit into the surrounding environment because they are wearing improper attire
for the location or season.
- Individuals drawing
pictures or taking notes of an area not normally of interest to tourists or showing
interest in or photographing security cameras, guard locations, or watching security
procedures.
- Someone engaging
in photography of something not normally a tourist attraction such as a bridge or
dam, power plant or electrical facility.
- Loitering around
potential target with no apparent or valid reason
- Testing security
by breaching restricted areas to determine response
- Tampering with
electrical, water, gas, or sewer systems
- Terrorists may
conduct training, surveillance and "dry runs" prior to an act.
- Terrorists may
conduct surveillance to determine a target's suitability for attack by assessing
the capabilities of existing security and discerning weaknesses in the facility.
When contacting the Police, it’s
important for you to be able to articulate:
- Who you observed
(a description)
- What did you
see, be specific
- Where was it
- When did you
see it
- Why in your opinion
was it suspicious? Remember, you are more aware of what’s normal for your
community than anyone else, but you need to be able to communicate that
In describing a suspect it is most helpful if you can
provide information on as many of the following as possible:
- Race/Sex/Age
- Height/Weight/Hair
color
- Peculiarities
(Scars-tattoos—missing limbs—noticeable features)
- Weapons (if any)
- Clothing description
- Method/Direction
of travel
In describing a vehicle, try to obtain:
- License plate
of vehicle (most important)
- Year/Make/Model
of vehicle
- Color
- Damage or Outstanding
features (One headlight, logos, antennae etc.)
If you feel you need to report
any of the above activities immediately to the Police Department you should call
911.
|