On Monday President Barack Obama asked the public to remain vigilant in the wake of a failed terrorist attack on a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. But just what should the public be looking for when they are trying to spot someone planning an attack?
See video "8 Signs of Terrorism" below.
Most experts are unwilling to describe the profile of a terrorist. There is scant information available to the public on exactly what to look for at the airport. The most anyone can find is an amorphous idea of reporting a "suspicious person."
So what behavior is suspicious? Is it a young or middle aged Middle Eastern male who is traveling alone and has no luggage? Is he or she fidgeting, scanning the area for security cameras or avoiding uniformed law enforcement officers? Does he have a "sad sack" appearance, looking down at this shoes, continually patting his chest or pants pocket?
These behaviors could make a resonable person suspicious. The most important step is to actually take immediate action by telling law enforcement of your concerns. You can quietly raise the alarm and prevent a catastrophy.
Paul Ekman, professor emeritus of psychology at the University of California at San Francisco is an expert in "micro expressions," and wrote this must read article for the Washington Post on how to spot someone who might commit an act of terror. Many of the gestures and clues are things that you already know. Some may call it a hunch, but Ekman breaks it down into specific behaviors and facial clues that can save your life.
Here is another list from the FBI on how to spot and report terrorism. The most important thing is for people to act on these clues or hunches. It could save a life.
Surveillance: are you aware of anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc, near key facilities or events?
Suspicious Questing: Are you aware of anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, email, etc, regarding a key facility or people who work there?
Tests of Security: Are you aware of any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event?
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?
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?
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?
Deploying assets: have you observed abandoned vehicles, stocking piling of suspicious materials or persons being deployed near a key facility/event?
If you answered yes to any of the above…if you have observed any suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism, again, please contact the Joint Terrorist Task Force or law enforcement/counterterrorism agency closest to you immediately. Your tip could save lives of innocent people, just like you and yours.
Comments