COMBATING TERRORISM

INTRODUCTION

Although the occurrence of terrorism in the United States has taken America by surprise, available information indicates that terrorist incidents occur as a result of considerable planning and preparation by those responsible. Such planning and preparation results in the conducting of certain activities, which when viewed together could be considered indicators that terrorist activity may occur.

TERRORIST ACTIVITY BEFORE AN ATTACK

Activities conducted in advance of a terrorist attack, either by terrorists or those acting in support of terrorist organizations, could include the recruitment, training and organizing of terrorist operatives and the collection of information to identify potential targets. To conduct terrorist operations, those involved must also generate capital to finance their activities, and move monies, persons, weapons, and other equipment from one place to another in furtherance of terrorist objectives. Experience has indicated that many of these activities in preparation for a terrorist incident against this nation have

occurred within the U.S., and could be observed locally. Your increased awareness of persons and events could result in the identification of terrorist activity.

WHAT DO TERRORISTS LOOK LIKE

There are no physical characteristics common to all terrorists. However, some activities could be observed which, if promptly reported, could provide information to prevent future terrorist attacks locally or elsewhere. Many terrorist activities, such as the generation of capital, are accomplished through illegal means, including gambling, drug trafficking, fraud, and theft. Other indicators, such as attempts to obtain information on potential terrorist targets may be observed as trespasser incidents, prowlers, or other suspicious circumstances. Any of these events may appear singularly to be unrelated to terrorist activity. However, when viewed together, patterns could emerge which could assist in the identification of terrorist activity. Your assistance could help to protect against future terrorist attacks.

ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS TO REPORT

1. Individuals possessing large sums of currency.
2. Individuals buying or renting goods, services, vehicles and accommodations with cash or by fraudulent means, such as stolen credit cards or checks, or otherwise operating through false identities or indirect ownership.
3. Individuals traveling by plane, bus, train or other means and staying at hotels or other public accommodations, without reservations or accurate identification.
4. Individuals in vehicles, or using other means of conveyance, arriving and departing locations at odd times of the day or night.
5. Individuals living under unusual circumstances, i.e. several persons renting a house with little or no furnishings or other items commonly found in residences.
6. Vehicles left unattended or abandoned, or that appear to be "out of place"
7. Parcels, packages or luggage left unattended.
8. Individuals in possession of firearms or other dangerous items.
9. Suspicious purchases of odd items, or items in odd quantities, i.e. an apartment dweller purchasing large quantities of lawn fertilizer.
10. Individuals observed sketching or photographing critical infrastructure, such as power stations, government buildings, communications facilities, etc.

While these activities do not necessarily prove that a terrorist attack is imminent, suspicious activity should be promptly reported to law enforcement. Your increased awareness concerning potential threats to security could help to protect against future terrorist attacks.

FOR ASSISTANCE… OR TO REPORT INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

ADMINISTRATION
(513) 946-6400

PATROL DIVISION
(513) 825-1500

COURT SERVICES DIVISION
(513) 946-5320

ORGANIZED CRIME DIVISION
(513) 241-2390

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