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Terrorism

        Nearly a decade removed from the horrific events of September 11, 2001, memories of our fellow Americans are never far away.  Time has proven that the threat of terrorism endures today, in all corners of our great nation and the world.  With the hard lesson of the many lives lost, the Department of Justice has employed new and innovative approaches, together with federal, state, local, and tribal partners to proactively detect, disrupt, and dismantle terrorism plots before tragedies occur.  The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota established the Anti-Terrorism Advisory Council (ATAC) to prepare, prevent, and prosecute all who target innocent Americans with the scourge of terrorism.  Through information sharing, awareness initiatives, and training events, the ATAC seeks to equip law enforcement, first responders, and community leaders with the tools necessary to confront extremism wherever it exists, while also preserving the constitutional liberties that all Americans cherish.

        The coordinator for this statewide ATAC effort is Assistant United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes.  Mr. Holmes coordinates not only with South Dakota members of the ATAC, but also with national-level anti-terrorism representatives from the Department of Justice and other agencies charged with protecting the American public. The ATAC also recognizes that the public continues to be our greatest information asset.  Remember, terrorism can happen anywhere, even in the Heartland.  Listed below are activities that can be considered indicators of possible pre-terrorism activity that should be reported to law enforcement.

        If you see anything of a suspicious nature, please report it by calling the terrorism toll-free number 877-GUARDSD, FBI at 605-334-6881, or in case of emergency call 911.

South Dakota Department of Public Safety

"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.

"Foolish is the man who sets the alarm, yet hits the snooze button when it’s time to wake up.  America remains under the continuing threat of terrorism at home and abroad.  Vigilance and reporting are the keys to preventing the next attack."

James Flanders, Intelligence Analyst, US Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

Updated July 13, 2015