Terrorism Awareness For Citizens

How you can help the NYPD fight terrorism

The following is a reprint of the Terrorism Awareness For Citizens pamphlet from the NYPD.

Terrorism Awareness For Citizens

How you can help the NYPD fight terrorism


BE OUR EYES AND EARS

No police department can effectively protect life and property without the support of the citizens it serves. The NYPD has achieved major reductions in crime by targeting criminal behavior. Not individuals. We urge you to use the same standard when assisting us yo detect and prevent future terrorist attacks.


DESCRIBING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR

WHO did you observe?
WHAT did you see? Be specific.
WHERE did you see it?
WHY is it suspicious?

You must be:
ACCURATE (most important)
FAST
COMPLETE


GIVING A DESCRIPTION

Person:

o Sex
o Race
o Age (approximate)
o Height (use 2" blocks)
o Weight (approximate use 10 lb. blocks)
o Build (medium, heavy set, thin, etc.)
o Hair (color length, include facial hair)
o Complexion (light, dark, ruddy, olive.)
o Peculiarities (scars, tattoos, missing limbs)
o Clothing (from head to toe, style, defects)
o Weapons (if any)
o Method of escape (direction, vehicle, etc.)

Vehicle:

o License Plate (most important)
o Year, make, model & color
o Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV, etc.)
o Passengers (number of people in vehicle)
o Damage or anything unusual (logos, etc.)


IF YOU OBSERVE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
o DO NOT take direct action.
o DO NOT confront the individual.
o DO NOT reveal your suspicions.
o DO record as may details as possible.
o DO notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.


COMMUNITY SUPPORT

o Be alert and aware of everyday activities in your neighborhood.
o Get your family, friends and neighbors involved.
o Report suspicious activity.
o Become involved in Civilian Patrols. Participants assist police and other emergency personnel; by observing and reporting incidents, conditions and crimes.
o Get to know the Community Affairs officer in your precinct.
o Become a "Blockwatcher". These are civilian volunteers who act as the eyes and ears of the NYPD. They observe their immediate residential area or block for activity which may require police intervention.


TERRORIST INDICATIONS

o Terrorists are trained to blend in and assimilate to their surroundings.
o Most terrorist acts are well organized and well planned. Terrorists will conduct training, surveillance and "dry runs" prior to the commission of a terrorist act.
o Terrorists strike at government and civilian targets to instill fear.

Although the terrorist attempts to instill fear in you, it is your vigilance that the terrorist fears most.


WAYS TO IMPROVE OBSERVATION SKILLS

o Employ good listening skills.
o Do not let personal feelings interfere with the incident.
o Look at the entire situation before making a judgement.
o Watch for no-verbal communication signs.
o Use feedback to obtain and verify information and report.
o Do not become personally involved.


Reports can be made anytime to:
TOLL-FREE TERRORISM HOTLINE
1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233)
All calls are confidential


THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
The NYPB & Community working together


Office of the Deputy Commissioner
Community Affairs

Office of the Deputy Commissioner
Counter Terrorism

1 Police Plaza, New York, NY 10038
www.nyc.gov

Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor

Raymond W. Kelly
Police Commissioner