Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government or its citizens to further certain political or social objectives.  Law enforcement generally recognized two types of terrorism, domestic and foreign.

You can help to prevent terrorist attacks by reporting certain activities, especially when these activities occur at or near key facilities such as government, military, utility, or other high profile sites.  Suspicious activities should be reported to your law enforcement agency or the closest Federal Bureau of Investigation Office. 

Activities to Watch for...

Surveillance-- Any recording or monitoring activities, taking notes, using cameras, maps binoculars, etc., near a key facility.

Suspicious questioning -- Any one attempting to gain information in person, by phone, mail, e-mail, etc., regarding a key facility or its personnel.

Test of security -- Any attempts to penetrate or test physical security or procedures at a key facility.

Suspicious persons -- Anyone who does not appear to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment or near a key facility.

Acquiring supplies -- Anyone attempting to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, uniforms, badges, flight manuals, access cards or identification for a key facility or to legally obtain items under suspicious circumstances to use in a terrorist attack.

Mapping of scenarios -- Any behavior that appears to be preparation for terrorist activity, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios, monitoring key facilities, timing traffic lights or traffic flow or other suspicious activities.

Deploying assets -- Abandoned vehicles, stockpiling of suspicious materials, or persons being deployed near a key facility.

What should you do?

If you observe suspicious activity that may relate to terrorism, contact your closest law enforcement agency or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office as soon as possible.