Don't ignore it, Do something about it!

  • Published
  • Minot Air Force Base Antiterrorism Office
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The installation antiterrorism office wants Airmen to take an active role in Minot AFB's security and antiterrorism and join base efforts to detect and mitigate potential threats by reporting information about unusual, suspicious and/or criminal activities.

"It's important the installation residents and workers remain vigilant," said Mr. P.J. Pallotta, Minot AFB antiterrorism officer. "Any person who notices suspicious activity should report it immediately to the Minot AFB law enforcement desk, the Air Force Office of Special Investigation or one of the local law enforcement agencies."

A single phone call or report with a quick, accurate description of the activity, people and vehicles can make all the difference in apprehending a suspect and stopping a terrorist attack.

Air Force Global Strike Command airmen who believes they have observed any suspicious activity relating to terrorism should immediately contact the nearest law enforcement agency. At Minot AFB, that's the base law enforcement desk, 723-3096.

Regardless of whether an individual lives on base or in the surrounding communities, assistance is needed in preventing terrorist acts.

Tech. Sgt Kerry Koepp, Minot AFB antiterrorism officer said the key is to always be alert and maintain situational awareness.

"Most days we all work in the same area where the day-to-day surroundings change minimally," Sergeant Koepp said. "Situational awareness is key to noticing and then reporting the out of the norm."

The Sergeant said certain kinds of activities and behaviors can indicate terrorist plans in the works, especially when they occur at or near high profile sites or places where large numbers of people gather, like government buildings, military installations/facilities, utilities, transportation locations or major public events.

"We must all do our part to help keep our base, local community and nation safe," said Mr. Pallotta. "All of us can be the force multipliers, sensors and an extra set of eyes and ears for law enforcement by immediately reporting any suspicious activities to the proper authorities. As with many previous thwarted incidents, your timely report could save the lives of innocent people."

Mr. Pallotta emphasized if anyone sees or knows about suspicious activities, like the ones listed above, report them immediately to the proper law enforcement authorities.

According to the FBI, there are seven things Airmen here can do to help prevent a terrorist from carrying out their acts:

1. Surveillance: Report anyone video recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps, binoculars, etc., near key facilities/events.
2. Suspicious Questioning: Take notice of anyone attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, e-mail, etc., regarding a key facility or people who work there.
3. Tests of Security: Be aware of any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility/event.
4. Acquiring Supplies: Report suspicious activities such as attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards, identification for a key facility/event or trying to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances that could be used in a terrorist attack.
5. Suspicious Persons: Report anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or near a key facility/event.
6. "Dry Runs": 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 should be reported immediately.
7. Deploying Assets: Note and report observed abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials or persons being deployed near a key facility/event?

For more information on this vital subject, go to www.FBI.gov.