Terrorism

The events of September 11, 2001 have forever changed the nature of law enforcement in the United States and within the District of South Dakota. Historically, law enforcement was generally considered to be reactive in that the crime under investigation had already been committed before law enforcement was notified. President Bush and Attorney General Ashcroft issued directives to all federal law enforcement that have drastically altered our focus and made the fight against Terrorism the number one priority. In response to this directive, the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) was established. With the President's new proactive approach to preventing terrorist incidents before they occur in mind, members of the Council recognized the importance of gathering terrorist related information and the importance of sharing that information at all levels within the law enforcement community.

The coordinator for the Advisory Council is Assistant United States Attorney Mara Kohn. Ms. Kohn coordinates not only with South Dakota members of the ATAC, but also with national -level representatives with the Department of Justice. The ATAC also recognizes that our citizenry continue to be our greatest information asset. Remember, terrorism can happen anywhere. Listed separately on this page are activities that can be considered as a pre-incident indicator.

If you see anything of a suspicious nature, please report it by calling the terrorism toll-free number 866-892-3742 or Ms. Kohn at 605-342-7822

"Pre-Incident Indicators"
The first step is knowing what to look for.

>> Surveillance.
Someone recording or monitoring activities, including the use of cameras (both still and video), note taking, drawing diagrams, writing on maps, or using binoculars or any other vision-enhancing device.

>> Elicitation.
Anyone or any organization attempting to gain information by mail, fax, telephone,or in person about military operations or people

>> Tests of Security.
Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures

>> Acquiring Supplies.
Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges (or the equipment to manufacture them), or any other controlled items

>> Suspicious Persons
Out of Place.
People who don't seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment, or anywhere else. This also includes suspicious border crossings, stowaways aboard ship, or people jumping ship in port.

>> Dry Run.
Putting people into position and moving them about without actually committing a terrorist act such as a kidnapping or bombing. An element of this activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

>> Deploying Assets.
People and supplies getting into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorism occurs.