According to the Intelligence Guide for First Responders, terrorism is defined as the “premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.” Terrorists organize to function in environments where they carry out their acts of violence. They have an organizational structure and usually implement a support structure of sympathizers. The support structure supplies active terrorists with money, shelter, propaganda and recruiting. The community should be conscientious of any suspicious factors that may indicate a potential terrorist threat. Indicators of terrorism may be as follows:
- Theft of official identification cards
- Persons taking pictures of buildings or facilities
- Persons observed with highlighted facility maps, photographs or diagrams
- Suspicious persons or vehicles
To report suspicious activity, contact the Emergency Communications Center at (847) 289-2700.