Crime Prevention and Terrorism (October 2011) Published Oct. 4, 2011 By Capt Chris Rogalski 138th FW Oklahoma Air National Guard, Tulsa OK -- This month we will address crime prevention and terrorism. Take the time to read and employ these tips to increase your safety and security. Although the threat of terrorism may seem overwhelming, the truth is, the steps you would take in a simple personal crime prevention program applies to the terrorist as well. The best advice in an area of the world subject to terrorist activity is to view your situation as if you were passing through or living in a high crime urban environment and act accordingly. Learn about your destination - the culture, language, local customs, history of criminal activity and local laws. This can be done by consulting your library, a travel agent, airline or tourist offices or talking to people who have been there. Once you arrive, become familiar with your environment. Know what is normal in order to detect the unusual. Remember terrorists as well as ordinary criminals, need information to plan and execute a successful operation. Through surveillance, they hope to learn your habits and assess where you are vulnerable. By taking some basic security precautions you not only disrupt their intelligence gathering efforts, but in doing so demonstrates, vigilance and a genuine concern for security. Consult your local law enforcement office on how to protect your home, your car, and your family in general from crime. Local crime prevention programs, neighborhood watch, and other activities are excellent ways to ward off potential problems. Don't leave your crime prevention attitude at home. When you are traveling, officially or on leave, just out shopping, and even at the office, remaining cautious and alert can often be a lifesaver. Don't limit crime prevention to just yourself. Involve the family. Most important of all - practice crime prevention. Just knowing what to do is not enough. Preventative Measures: Normal common sense should prevail when traveling abroad, just as it would at home. We cannot hope to list every possible circumstance or every possible precaution in this publication. But, the pointers provided in this pamphlet may help you avoid becoming an "American target of opportunity." They are a collection of ideas gathered from considerable research and experience. Use them as a foundation and apply the same principles to situations not specifically addressed here. Remember Three Basic Rules BE ALERT KEEP A LOW PROFILE BE UNPREDICTABLE Be alert to your surroundings; know and respect local customs and laws. Be inconspicuous; do not call undue attention to yourself. When possible, try to be unpredictable; vary days and times of activities and routes you regularly travel. Being informed is also important. Be aware of any potential problems in areas where you might be traveling or assigned. Your own personal security consciousness and precautions should increase as the situation warrants. These tips and other important information are located in the CJCS Guide 5260, Service Member's Personal Protection Guide. Further information about Antiterrorism can be accessed on-line. Department of Homeland Security: http://www.dhs.gov MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base: http://www.tkb.org REMEMBER: Antiterrorism and Force Protection is EVERYONE'S job.