Tips for holiday vigilance from SFG

  • Published
  • By 377th Security Forces Group
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  As the Independence Day holiday approaches, Security Forces would like to remind all personnel that the installation remains in Force Protection Bravo, and to be situationally aware as they are traveling and participating in public gatherings and events.  The threat of terrorism is ever-present and personnel must remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of family, friends and co-workers.  

Remaining vigilant is our best defense against the threat of terrorism.  Experts believe an attack would be small in scale and most likely be carried out by a lone individual, targeting individuals with little advance warning, rather than a large scale terrorist event.  Everyone is encouraged to maintain awareness while in local community settings, at large venues, or gatherings and most importantly, to report to the Security Forces, the Office of Special Investigations or local law enforcement any suspicious activities.  

The following are some of the many actions people can all take to reduce the threats posed by terrorists:

Social media precautions:  Think before you post and assume everyone in the world will be able to see what you are posting, or tweeting, even if the site limits your posts to your friends and family.  Limit who can view your social media sites; but do not trust these settings as absolute.  Avoid posting your home or work address and phone numbers; and any government or military affiliation.  Avoid providing detailed accounts of your day (e.g., when you leave for or return from work).  Never allow applications to geo-locate your location.

Actions at home:  Always lock doors, windows and garages.  Make sure home entrances are well-lighted, and minimize bushes where intruders can hide before their ambush.  Use the peephole before opening the door to anyone.  Don't use the chain latch to open the door part-way.  Don't open the door to solicitors or strangers.  Install solid-core doors, heavy-duty locks and window security systems.  Establish a safe haven.  Hold a family meeting to work out home security plans.

Suspicious activity/behavior to watch for:  Unusual interest in sensitive information about security measures, personnel, entry points, peak days/hours of operation, and access controls such as alarms or locks.  Someone engaging in overtly suspicious actions to provoke and observe responses by public safety personnel.  Discreet use of cameras or video recorders, sketching, or note-taking consistent with surveillance.  Observation of, or questions about, facility air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems.  Repeated visits by the same subjects, including attempts to disguise appearance from visit to visit.  Attempted or unauthorized access to rooftops or other sensitive areas.  Observation of or unusual questions about security measures, such as staffing, barriers, restricted areas, cameras, and intrusion detection systems.  Multiple false alarms or fictitious emergency calls to the same locations or similar venues.  Unusual interest in speaking with building maintenance personnel.  Observation of security reaction drills or procedures.  Attention to or avoidance of surveillance cameras. 

Although the threat of terrorism is real, we need not live in fear because of the threat.  Application of the aforementioned precautions coupled with vigilance and a robust reporting system is a solid defense against terrorism.  Security Forces, in conjunction with base mission partners, local law enforcement, the Joint Terrorism Task Force and the New Mexico All Source Intelligence Center are working to ensure we remain a formidable obstacle to anyone who would threaten our united effort of safeguarding our communities and nation against those who seek to do us harm.

To report suspicious activity of any type, one need only to contact OSI's Detachment 116 at 846-0999, the Security Forces BDOC at 846-7913 or your local law enforcement agency by dialing 911.