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What to do if You Suspect Terrorist Activity

No matter where you live in the world, your assistance is needed in preventing terrorist acts. It is a fact that certain kinds of activities can indicate terrorist plans that are in the works, especially when they occur at or near high profile sites or places where large numbers of people gather.

Government buildings, military facilities, utilities, bus or train stations, and major public events could all be potential targets. If you see or know about suspicious activities, like the ones listed below, please report them immediately to the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office.

Surveillance

Are you aware of anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., near key facilities/events?

Suspicious Questioning

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, timing traffic lights or traffic flow, or other suspicious activities?

Deploying Assets

Have you observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling 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 the lives of innocent people.

If you see something suspicious, please call the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement. If there is a life threatening emergency, please call 911. When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most accurate description possible, including:

  • Brief description of the activity
  • Date, time, and location of the activity
  • Physical identifiers of anyone you observed
  • Descriptions of vehicles
  • Information about where people involved in suspicious activities may have gone
  • Your name and contact information (optional)