The following is excepted from “Terrorism Prevention and Response: The Definitive Law Enforcement Guide to Prepare for Terrorist Activity” by retired NYPD officer Cliff Mariani. The book features training information that will help law enforcement professionals spot key indicators of a potential terrorist; identify and protect potential local targets in a variety of setting; and prepare safe, effective evacuation plans.
Terrorism. It’s a concept that has changed law enforcement forever and a crime that demands the utmost in proactive, preventative strategy. Recent intelligence reports remind us that although the U.S. appears to have been in a state of relative remission since the 9/11 attacks, the scourge of domestic terrorism is far from eradicated. Terrorist leaders continue to plan and terrorist grunts continue to stand ready to attack. Their resolve to achieve their goals remains, as must yours.
Since the 9/11 attacks we have learned a lot about counter-terrorism and domestic defense, both as a pool of law enforcement professionals and as a country. We have implemented a multitude of powerful defense tools and instituted a wide range of enhanced emergency response protocols. We have integrated new high-tech monitoring systems in a variety of settings and saturated designated hot spots with specialized equipment of all sorts. But ranking among the two most powerful weapons in your counter-terrorism arsenal are those that came free and remain with you 24/7: your eyes.
As a frontline law enforcement officer, what you’re seeing and what your observations trigger in instinct and trained response can be the most valuable intelligence gathered.
Given that, here are some easy-to-spot but potentially easy-to-overlook “Tools of a Terrorist” to watch for during your next traffic stop or other field contact:
Surveillance equipment
- Camera
- Video recorder
- Binoculars
- Telescope
- Night vision goggles
Identification Anomalies
- False or multiple IDs
- Green card(s)
- One or more Visas or passports
“Red Flag” Chemicals
- Bleaching products
- Chlorine products
- Crowd control/riot control sprays
- Photographic solutions
- Solvents
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
Site Aids
- Target location list
- Maps
- Site plans
- Target sketches
Reference Aids
- Terrorist handbook
- Equipment manuals
- Reference photos
- Laptop computer
Assets
- Large quantities of cash
- Money orders
- ATM card(s)
- Credit/Debit card(s)
- Wire transfer receipts
Contraband
- Legal but lethal items
- Aerosol sprays
- Pyrotechnic devises
- Flammable liquids
- Unidentifiable substances
Camouflage
- Hair Dye/hair pieces
- Camouflage gear
- Change of clothing
- Bogus uniform(s)
- Other items of disguise
Weapons
- Box cutters
- All forms of illegal weaponry
- Ammunition
- Explosives
- Protective gear
Transportation
- Rental vehicle
- Travel/tourist brochures
- Air/rail/bus literature
- Travel schedules
- One-way travel ticket
- Compass/navigation aids
Flying Aids
- Flight school literature
- Flight training manual
- Flight simulator software
- Technical data
On Board Aids
- Cabin configuration
- Cockpit diagram
- Schematic drawings
- Route/flight notes
Scuba/Sabotage
- Training literature
- Gear/equipment
Miscellaneous
- Notebook/recorder
- Religious books/materials
- Icon photos/literature
- Cell phone
- Pre-paid calling card(s)
- Protective/survival gear
- “Spy” apparatus
- Field manual
- Plot instructions
It is important to remember that the presence of one or even a few of these do not necessarily indicate criminal intent but en masse and in coordination with other indicators like nervousness, contradictory information, hesitation, resistance and other preliminary contact warning signs may justify increased attention and further exploration.