Homeland Security

Recent events underscore the important role that private security officers play in protecting the homeland. Private security officers are on the front lines in protecting citizens throughout the United States as they often work smaller geographic areas, areas where large numbers of people often gather whether shopping, attending special events, or guarding access to important infrastructure. Security officers need to be alert to potential criminal activity: 

1. Be alert to potential surveillance - terrorists and other criminals often will visit the locations prior to committing an act. Security officers need to be alert for individuals that are conducting surveillance of a particular property. Individuals that are taking photographs of entrances/exits, other areas of the property that have no real photographic significance. Repeat visitors that appear to linger in areas throughout the property. They may move from one location to another lingering for a few moments surveilling their surroundings. 

2. Inquisitive inquiries - individuals that appear to be inquisitive about staffing, security routines, or have other questions that would reveal vulnerabilities. 

3. Dispersing groups - individuals that come into a property together, then disperse in different directions with no specific destination. Again, be alert for surveillance activities. 

4. False alarms - a series of false alarms, anonymous phone calls, etc, may be probing attempts. In creating false alarms, response activities can be identified. 

5. Be alert to odd appearance - Individuals wearing several layers of clothing on a warm day, carrying backpacks where it is not normal to carry them, or other types of luggage. 

Security officers must be alert for activities that may forecast a terrorist event. Prompt and proper reporting is required to ensure the appropriate law enforcement agencies are aware and can conduct the necessary investigation.