How to integrate Britain’s MI-5 model into existing structures of the U.S. domestic counter-terrorism efforts.
Step I: Conduct an on-going and open campaign of MI-5’s role in protecting America. Many agencies in the IC are in “Z” when the news media and American public remain on “A”, regarding operations. True, this is out of necessity, much of what they do can be released without giving away sources and methods. A pure, sanitized public relations campaign is needed.
Second, in a broad sense, citizen participation in MI-5’s broad goal, to protect America from terrorist attack, can be utilized. For example, terrorists plan with meticulous detail. I’m against forming citizen groups focused on identifying terrorist’s threats. However, to avoid vigilantism, an MI-5 awareness program can be
absorbed into existing Community Block Watch Programs (CBWP) which exist in thousands of American neighborhoods. CBWP’s help neighbors to get better acquainted with each other and to help local police by reporting unusual activities as they occur.
Likewise, neighborhoods across America should feel a partnership in the role of federal agencies as well. After all, local denizens know what’s “normal” activity in their respective residential settings. To prevent local crimes, CBWP enables local law enforcement to train neighbors to write down descriptions of suspicious persons and vehicle license plate numbers, models, colors, etc.
In STEP 1, not only the local police, but MI-5 and all counter-intelligence professionals can profit by local citizens who “know” their neighborhood’s idiosyncrasies and customs. Residents are familiar with their neighbor’s habits, friends, relatives, vehicles, leisure pursuits, etc. Through risk-free and vetted workshops, citizens could be taught what to look for, regarding terrorists. Even a well-integrated homegrown terrorist, who has lived and worked in a particular neighborhood, behaves differently as the attack plan nears fruition.
A great deal of time and energy is used to plan, prepare, finance, buy and store materials, and to meet with others in order to execute a devastating attack. Unseen inside the home, garage, or workplace, such a radical can be detected if laypeople are educated on what to look for.
Local police agencies conducting CBWP’s could invite non-covert MI-5 officials to speak at their public meetings. The role MI-5 plays in preventing terrorist attacks and detailed descriptions of “terrorist-like” behaviors can be incorporated into the established system of CBWP’s and other accepted citizen‘s groups. An MI-5 toll-free hotline number to call would be distributed. This would make MI-5 more open and available to the public. Of course, all MI-5 covert agents would never show their faces at such public gatherings. Here’s an example of “terrorist-specific” behaviors that should be taught to millions of Americans:
Uncommon cell phone behavior: Terrorists need communication with others to plan meetings or buy materials and chemicals. They use multiple anonymous pay-as-you-go mobiles phones and swap SIM cards and handsets. Stolen mobiles are typical. Also, they may have large quantities of mobile phones. Some years ago, the same small group of persons bought hundreds of cell phones from Wal-Mart stores throughout Ohio.
Suspicious Passports: They use multiple identities and documents for no apparent reason.
Small truck, vans and station wagon vehicles: They need transport and will buy, rent, or lease a van or small truck for transport, even possibly for use in the attack itself. Anyone working in commercial vehicle renting, leasing or sales should be on the look out for suspicious behaviors.
Excessively thorough interest in site: Terrorists use cameras or camcorders to gain logistics and other information about potential attack sites. It helps them plan coordinated and comprehensive attacks. If you see anyone preoccupied with recording security arrangements, heavy pedestrian traffic, etc., report it.
Over-abundant purchases. Be on the watch for persons buying large or unusual quantities of chemicals for no reason, be suspicious. I remember, years ago, conducting surveillance at the local supermarkets for excessively large purchases of baking soda, which dealers used to cut their pure cocaine. We simply followed them out to the parking lot and followed them home. Remember, Zazi and three others linked to the Denver-NYC terrorist connection, bought large quantities of peroxide and acetone from Denver, CO beauty supply stores. The store’s owner alerted the authorities.
Suspicious financial transactions: They need funding and check and credit card fraud runs rampant among terrorist cells.
Terrorists rely heavily on computers. They are on the cutting edge of organizational networking to recruit new members, raise money, organize activities, and distribute propaganda. Suspicious computer behavior, such as visiting terrorist-related websites, should be a red flag. Terrorists can now even make instant press releases after a fatal bombing attack on their respective websites! If you ever witness unusual internet behavior, such as one who visits terrorist-related websites…grow suspicious!
Protection Paraphernalia needed for handling hazardous waste and radioactive, biological or other WMD material. Masks, goggles, thick rubber gloves, disposable or reusable coveralls, hardhats, safety glasses, chemical-resistant clothing, face shields, even devices to protect one’s hearing or portable respirators that cover only the mouth and nose to large varieties that supply oxygen to self-contained suits. You may see someone carrying these items into the garage at night or find them thrown away in a dumpster.
Padlocks: Terrorists need storage. Lock-ups, garages, backyard sheds, storage rentals, etc. can be used travelingto store equipment.
Terrorists need to travel. Many U.S. citizens turned terrorists
haveague about flown to the Middle East to train and plan attacks back “home”…in the U.S. They certainly don’t freely brag about their vacation when they arrive back in the U.S. Be suspicious of they are vague about where they are going.
Change in behavior: Terrorist planning or finalizing an attack plan may behave differently from how you’ve known them to behave in the past.
Strange visitations: A terrorist usually has people helping him. These people may come and go at odd hours. Trust your instincts!
Overhear Threats: A true terrorist is full of hate for western democracies. They may get quite angry at times and shout, boast, laugh about, or mention during a normal chat the intention to harm civilians. If you hear such talk, weigh it against your previous observations. Better yet, call authorities!
