Persons involved in terrorist activity often exhibit indicators that, if
observed, could identify a potential impending crime or terrorist
You CAN identify a terrorist threat by observing suspicious activity
that may lead to a criminal act!
Identifying suspicious activity is not a hard science. You have to rely
on your judgment. Your suspicion of a threat could be confirmed with one
incident. It could take a series of incidents. In the long run, it comes
down to experience, judgment, and commonsense.
Warning signs include unusual requests for information, unusual interest
in high-risk or symbolic targets, and unusual activity.
Unusual Requests for Information
Unusual requests for information can be a warning sign of terrorist
▪ A telephone request at work asking about
the security system.
Questions about the habits of your Chief Executive Officer.
A mail survey asking for comments on the response time and habits of
Although possibly legitimate, these are also techniques used by
terrorists to gather information while planning an attack. Do NOT give
out sensitive information unless you know the party you're talking to
and they have a need for that information.
Unusual Interest in High-risk or Symbolic Targets
Maybe you're at a national monument and you notice a person nearby
taking a lot of photos. Not unusual. But then you notice that he is only
taking photos of the surveillance cameras, crash barriers at the
entrances, and access control procedures. Is that normal for a tourist?
The following should cause a heightened sense of concern:
Inappropriate photographs or videos
Drawing of diagrams
Using binoculars or night vision devices
Unusual activity does not necessarily mean that terrorist activity is
happening, but it doesn't hurt to be aware of:
People acting furtively and suspiciously
People avoiding eye contact
People departing quickly when seen or approached
People in places they don't belong
A strong odor coming from a building or vehicle
An overloaded vehicle
Fluid leaking from a vehicle, other than the engine or gas tank
People over dressed for the weather
PROVIDING AN ACCURATE REPORT
In order to be as helpful as possible with terrorist investigations, it
is important to give a thorough report when notifying law enforcement.
Here are some guidelines, suggestions, and details you will need to
supply to an officer responding to your call of suspicious activity.
Keep in mind, the responding officer may only have the information you
gave at the time of your call. There are two key elements in giving a
good report -- accuracy and timeliness.
Accuracy means reporting what you saw and nothing more. Do NOT add juicy
"might have happened" to make the situation sound more important.
However, it is appropriate to include the reason the activity seemed
suspicious, even if it's simply, "It wasn't normal."
Timeliness means that after a certain period of time, the suspicious
situation will change; people will leave or possibly alter their
appearance. It's very important to report anything suspicious
immediately after you observed it.
What to Report
It is important for the responding officer to quickly spot the
suspicious person or activity. You can help by providing details and
creating a "word picture." Changeable details such as activity are
important but may not be the same once the officer arrives. Permanent
details are very important because they are difficult to change quickly.
When reporting a person, include:
When reporting a vehicle, include:
License plate number
When reporting suspicious activity:
Never endanger yourself!
Never confront suspicious activity!
Tell just what you saw!
Tell why it is suspicious!
Write it ALL down after you report it!
Practice developing descriptions of vehicles you see on your commute or
people you encounter in your everyday activities. The more you practice,
the better your observation skills will become and the better you will
do when nervous or excited.
Who to Call
Emergency: If you think a life is in danger or a serious crime is about
to be committed, call 9-1-1. If you are within an office building or
place of business, you may first need to dial an access number for an
Non-Emergency: If it is not an emergency, but you think that the person
or situation should be investigated, do NOT tie up the 9-1-1 emergency
number, contact (858) 565-5200.
Perhaps you notice suspicious activity that doesn't warrant immediate
attention or a past incident or person is still on your mind, you can
pass that information along to authorities by submitting a tip.