TERRORISM AWARENESS FOR CITIZENS

How you can help the NYPD fight terrorism:

BE OUR EYES AND EARS
No police department can effectively protect life and property without the support of the public it serves. The NYPD has achieved major reductions in crime by targeting criminal behavior. Not individuals. We urge you to use the same standard when assisting us to detect and prevent future terrorist attacks.

DESCRIBING SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR
WHO did you observe?
WHAT did you see? Be specific.
WHERE did you see it?
WHEN did you see it?
WHY is it suspicious?

You must be:
ACCURATE (most important)
FAST
COMPLETE

GIVING A DESCRIPTION

Person:

Sex
Race
Age (approximate)
Height (use 2" blocks)
Weight (approximate use 10 lb. blocks)
Build (medium, heavy set, thin, etc.)
Hair (color. length, include facial hair)
Complexion (light, dark, ruddy, olive)
Peculiarities (scars, tattoos, missing limbs)
Clothing (from head to toe, style, defects)
Weapons (if any)
Method of escape (direction, vehicle, etc.)

Vehicle:

License Plate (most important)
Year, make, model & color
Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV, etc.)
Passengers (number of people in vehicle)
Damage or anything unusual (logos, etc.)

IF YOU OBSERVE SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

DO NOT take direct action.
DO NOT confront the individual.
DO NOT reveal your suspicions.
DO record as many details as possible.
DO notify the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Be alert and aware of everyday activities in your neighborhood.
Get your family, friends and neighbors involved.
Report suspicious activities.
Become involved in Civilian Patrols. Participants assist police and other emergency personnel by observing and reporting incidents, conditions and crimes.
Get to know the Community Affairs officer in your precinct.
Become a "Blockwatcher." These are civilian volunteers who act as the eyes and ears of the NYPD. They observe their immediate residential area or block for activity, which may require police intervention.

TERRORIST INDICATORS

Terrorists are trained to blend in and assimilate to their surroundings.
Most terrorist acts are well organized and well planned. Terrorists will conduct training, surveillance and "dry runs" prior to the commission of a terrorist act
Terrorists strike at government and civilian targets to instill fear.
Although the terrorist attempts to instill fear in you, it is your vigilance that the terrorist fears most.

WAYS TO IMPROVE OBSERVATION SKILLS

Employ good listening skills.
Do not let personal feelings interfere with the incident.
Look at the entire situation before making a judgment.
Watch for non-verbal communication signs.
Use feedback to obtain and verify information or observations.
Do not become personally involved.
Reports can be made anytime to:
Toll-free TERRORISM HOTLINE
1-888-NYC-SAFE (1-888-692-7233)
All calls are confidential.

Thank you for your support.
The NYPD & Community Working Together

Office of the Deputy Commissioner Community Affairs
Office of the Deputy Commissioner Counter Terrorism
1 Police Plaza
New York, NY 10038
www.nyc.gov