Monday, October 4, 2010

Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security

Crime Wars: Gangs, Cartels and U.S. National Security

For those interested in some of the intelligence and background related to the growing issue of organized crime and transnational threats.

www.cnas.org/node/5022

Last month, the Mexican government announced that the drug wars have claimed 28,000 lives since 2006. These drug trafficking groups have evolved to pose significant challenges not only to Mexico and the United States, but to governments and societies across the Western Hemisphere.

http://www.cnas.org/node/5022

Thursday, September 30, 2010

First Responder Awareness Cards

First Responder Awareness Cards

No cost PDF cards are designed to be user friendly, two-sided documents that can be laminated and placed in go-bags, response vehicles, and command vehicles. They were developed to help any first responder with minimum training in the first 10-15 minutes of an incident. Cards should be used only as a guide and their contents should not supersede local guidelines and procedures.

http://www.wiiaai.org/august-vernon-pdfs

Each card is only one or two pages in length and focuses on different topics such as mass shootings, bomb threats, threat awareness, suspicious powders, suspicious letters or packages, suicide bombers, operations security, indoor marijuana grow labs, IED, VBIED, post-blast response, etc.

http://www.wiiaai.org/august-vernon-pdfs

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Multi-Attack Terror Plots

Multi-Attack Terror Plots

We continue to get numerous warnings from officials on this current and emerging threat with the recent increased reporting today on the credible threats of possible Multi-Attack Terror Plots. These attacks are very similar to the Mumbia, India and Beslan attacks that can also be referred to as a combination/complex attacks.

These atatcks involve well-armed, commando-style teams of jihadists planning to seize Western hostages and murder them, in a manner similar to the siege of two Indian hotels in Mumbai two years ago in which 10 gunmen killed 166 people and injured more than 300.

One excellent resource on these type of threats in the book "Terror at Beslan" by John Gidduck. The book is available at http://www.terroratbeslan.com/ and is a great source of information on the incident and is only book on the Beslan School attack that provides insights into the Russian government in their planning and ultimate rescue operation. "Terror at Beslan" is applicable to law enforcement, intelligence officials, emergency management and even school system planners.

Keep the communications channels open between law enforcement and emergency management! Thanks again and be safe!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

University of Texas Shooting/Incident

University of Texas Shooting/Incident

As the situation is still developing and unfolding I am hesitant to make any informed comments on the specific response.

As of 1400 today (Tuesday) officials with the University of Texas say an unidentified man fired several shots inside the Perry Castaneda Library on the UT campus Tuesday morning. That is on the corner of 21st and Speedway. Reports indicate the man shot himself on the sixth floor of that building. No other injuries have been reported which is a blessing as they are reporting that the primary weapon may have been an AK-47.

Today's incident should be a reminder to all responders and emergency management that active shooters/workplace violence/targeted attacks continues to be a current and emerging threat. Again I have attached some links for NO-COST resources to help planners, responders and crisis management teams prepare for these incidents.

Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting (Video and PPT)
www.fireengineering.com/index/training/ffsupport.html

International Tactical Rescue and Medicine Society (ITRAMS)
http://www.itrams1.com/

Workplace Violence/Active Shooter Brochure From Safeguard Iowa Partnership for private industry/business.
www.safeguardiowa.com/resources/reports/spotlight

Active Shooter: Tri-fold Brochure for Response
http://www.military-writers.com/active_shooter_aetc_response.html

Targeted Violence Affecting Institutions of Higher Education
http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac.shtml

Thanks again and be safe!

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Terror Threat "Most Significant Since 9/11"

Terror Threat "Most Significant Since 9/11"

Interesting to see that we continue to get numerous warnings from federal and intelligence officials on this current and emerging threat. Several assessments continue show that the threat may be a primarily "limited scale" attacks where the terrorists can utilize limited resources and funding such as mass shootings (Fort Hood), bombings (IED/HME/VBIED), complex attacks (Belsan and Mumbia), etc. Planning and response issue that emergency management agencies need to keep as a focus with multi-agency planning and exercises.

Two new and comprehensive news reports reference this topic:

"Significant Developments in Terror Threats Since 9/11, Officials Say"
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/homegrown-terror-threat-significant-officails/story?id=11699198

"Risk of small-scale attacks by al-Qaeda and its allies is rising, officials say"
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/22/AR2010092203807_pf.html


Thanks again and be safe!


August Vernon
www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Assessing the Terrorist Threat

Assessing the Terrorist Threat

This is an excellent report just released that addresses the current and growing threat of the "homegrown" terrorists/Jihadis. Discusses recent incidents such as the "Christmas Day" bomber and the "Times Square" bomber. Also discusses the on going situations in Pakistan, Somalia and other high risk locations.

http://bipartisanpolicy.org/library/report/assessing-terrorist-threat

This report by members of the BPC's National Security Preparedness Group details how the terrorist threat has evolved since the attacks in 2001, including the development of homegrown networks and the increasingly diverse and decentralized nature of terrorism.

http://bipartisanpolicy.org/library/report/assessing-terrorist-threat

Lone Wolfs/Extremists/Hate Groups

Lone Wolfs/Extremists/Hate Groups

After continuing discussion in the media about the recent "lone wolf" attacks I wanted to put some additional comments on paper. It is important to remember that crisis situations such as terrorist threats, criminal attacks and other critical situations appear to be occurring with alarming frequency. No two mass violence incidents are the same. It appears that the “bad guys” (criminal elements and terrorists) are more determined, violent and heavily armed than ever before. First response agencies may also find themselves increasingly being exposed to these types of situations.

It must also be recognized that there are serious domestic and international threat groups; criminal elements, cells and single “Lone Wolf” individuals that are willing and able use mass violence against the public and first responders. One important note to remember is that there are active hate groups and extremist groups located in all 50 states. These types of hate and extremist groups can provide a magnet to individuals planning some type of mass violence attack or a foundation for their extremist ideology whether that is personal, religious or political. In most cases the “bad guys” (terrorist and criminals) will select a target or targets that will offer minimal risk of capture or disruption (meaning the security measures can be easily overcome).

These mass violence incidents can be quite sophisticated in the degree of planning and execution that goes into them. Many of these mass violence suspects have trained, prepared, armed themselves and have a detailed plan in place. However, generally speaking, they can be carried out by an individual or individuals with minimal planning, few resources and limited training. They will most often utilize readily-available weapons such as pistols, shotguns, rifles, knives or homemade explosives (HME).

The attackers in mass violence incidents may act out of a sense of anger or revenge because of some perceived persecutions or slights, or they may have some other individualized motivation such as a desire for notoriety, political belief system or religious based concepts. Unfortunately, the likelihood that emergency responders will someday again be called upon to respond to a mass violence criminal or terrorist incident is higher than ever before.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Lone Wolf Attacks: Discovery Channel Center

Lone Wolf Attacks: Discovery Channel Center

Yesterday's hostage taking at the Discovery Channel Center in Maryland should be a reminder to all responders and emergency management planners that workplace violence/targeted attacks continues to be a current and emerging threat.

At this time it does appear that the attacker who has been described as a militant environmentalist utilized at least one or more pistols and one or more Improvised Explosive Devices (IED)/Home Made Explosives (HME) during the incident.

Crisis situations such as criminal attacks, active shooters, attacks on law enforcement and threat situations are occurring with alarming frequency for a variety of reasons. Mass violence incidents can be quite sophisticated in the degree of planning and execution that goes into them. Many of these mass violence suspects have trained, prepared, armed themselves and have a detailed plan in place.

However, it is important to remember they can easily be carried out by an individual or individuals with minimal planning, few resources and limited training. They will most often utilize readily-available weapons such as pistols, shotguns, rifles, knives or homemade explosives (HME).

Please look back through this Incident Management: Mass Violence Blog for materials related to active shooters, workplace violence, bomb threats, targeted violence, etc. Thanks again and be safe!

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

School Shooter: Gunman killed at Sullivan Central

School Shooter: Gunman killed at Sullivan Central

www2.tricities.com/news/2010/aug/31/incident-sullivan-central-high-school-ar-479580/

Two Men on United Flight from Chicago Arrested for 'Preparation of a Terrorist Attack'

Two Men on United Flight from Chicago Arrested for 'Preparation of a Terrorist Attack'

Two men taken off a Chicago-to-Amsterdam United Airlines flight in the Netherlands have been charged by Dutch police with "preparation of a terrorist attack," U.S. law enforcement officials tell ABC News.

http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/united-flight-arrested-terror-charges-amsterdam/story?id=11517664

Friday, August 27, 2010

Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Workshops/Conference

Updated agenda and information.

No cost workshops for responders and military.

http://defensetradeshows.com/southeast-counter-terrorism-and-emergency-response-conference-and-expo/

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference & Expo
November 16-18, 2010
Charlotte, NC

Have a good weekend!

Updated International Tactical Rescue and Medicine Society (ITRAMS) Site

Updated International Tactical Rescue and Medicine Society (ITRAMS) Site

This site has now been updated and has no-cost resources for terrorism, mass violence, high-threat rescue, casualty management, etc. Excellent tools for first responders, tactical operations, pre-hospital care and the military.
http://www.itrams1.com

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC)

National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC)

Reminder of the several programs available to emergency management and first responders. These are some excellent training and exercise opportunities.

http://www.ndpc.us/

The consortium is made up of seven members, including the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama, the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech), Louisiana State University's Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education (National Center for Biomedical Research and Training), Texas A&M University National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center (TEEX), the Department of Energy’s Nevada Test Site (NTS), the Transportation Technology Center, Inc. (TTCI), and the National Disaster Preparedness Training Center at the University of Hawaii (NDPTC).

http://www.ndpc.us/

Monday, August 23, 2010

DOD Releases Final Fort Hood Review

DOD Releases Final Fort Hood Review
The Department of Defense (DoD) released today the final review of the recommendations from the independent report "Protecting the Force: Lessons Learned from Fort Hood."
The tragic shooting of military personnel at Fort Hood in November 2009 underscored the need for the DoD to review its approach to force protection and to broaden its force protection policies, programs, and procedures to go beyond their traditional focus on hostile external threats.
The final recommendations of the Fort Hood follow-on review can be found at
http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100820FortHoodFollowon.pdf

Thursday, August 19, 2010

CIA forms new center to combat nukes, WMDs

CIA forms new center to combat nukes, WMDs

The CIA is opening a counterproliferation center to combat the spread of dangerous weapons and technology, a move that comes as Iran is on the verge of fueling up a new nuclear power plant.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20100819/D9HM8F100.html

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Workplace Violence Prevention and Planning

After several serious workplace violence incidents in the past few months here is an excellent resource for planners/business/industry from OSHA.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

Violence in the workplace is a serious safety and health issue. Its most extreme form, homicide, is the fourth-leading cause of fatal occupational injury in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), there were 564 workplace homicides in 2005 in the United States, out of a total of 5,702 fatal work injuries.

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/workplaceviolence/

Workplace Violence Prevention and Planning

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

International Tactical Rescue And Medicine Society

International Tactical Rescue And Medicine Society
http://www.itramsonline.com/index.php

Excellent new resource especially for those in pre-hospital care. The International Tactical Rescue and Medicine Society (ITRAMS) is a networking community focused on coordinating the delivery of top-tier, outcomes-based education in the constantly evolving fields of tactical rescue and medicine. Emphasis on mass violence/terrorism and future threat analysis/counter-terrorism operations.
http://www.itramsonline.com/index.php

Monday, August 9, 2010

Mexico's Drug War Adopts Al Qaeda Tactics

Mexico's Drug War Adopts Al Qaeda Tactics

Remember this has been and still is bleeing over into the United States on a daily basis.

Car Bombs, Mass Killings Part of Increasing Violence Related to Drug Cartels

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/07/23/eveningnews/main6707471.shtml

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Mass Violence/Mass Shooting Resources

Mass Violence/Mass Shooting Resources

After several recent incident of mass violence/mass shootings here is a list of several resources that can assist in your planning and preperation for public safety, emergency management, school/college crisis teams, workplace, etc.

Active Shooter: Tri-fold Brochure for ResponseIn aftermath of the Fort Hood shootings, Air Force Education andTraining command officials emphasize vigilance and readiness to respondto unexpected life-threatening events. They issued tri-fold brochurefor training, education and response.
http://www.military-writers.com/active_shooter_aetc_response.html

Workplace Violence/Active Shooter BrochureFrom Safeguard Iowa Partnership for private industry/business.
www.safeguardiowa.com/resources/reports/spotlight

Targeted Violence Affecting Institutions of Higher EducationThe June 2007 Report to the President on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy included a recommendation that the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation explore the issue of violence at institutions of higher education.
http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac.shtml

EMS Response to Mass ViolenceWhat should you know to keep you and your fellow responders safe?
www.emsresponder.com/print/EMS-Magazine/EMS-Response-to-Mass-Violence/1$12663

School Violence, Threat Assessments, School Shooters FREE RESOURCES
www.appliedcrimeprevention.com/Safety%20Manuals.htm

Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting EventsMass shooting events are becoming more common, and the response to them involves every public safety agency for miles around. This program details the actions that fire and EMS agencies can take to prepare themselves for this all-too-likely event, and the actions they can take when the event occurs.This program is available in two formats. The 40+ PowerPoint slide presentation covers the material thoroughly, while the 45-minute video program is a verbal presentation of the PowerPoint material.
http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html

First Responder Critical Incident Guide (CIG) identifies key functions that are essential for first responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Special Teams, Military, etc.) during the first 10-30 minutes of a "critical incident". Over 15 topics.
http://www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

Possible Mass Shooting (Police say gunman among dead in Conn. shooting)

Possible Mass Shooting (Police say gunman among dead in Conn. shooting)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100803/ap_on_re_us/us_beer_distributor_shootings

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

http://defensetradeshows.com/southeast-counter-terrorism-and-emergency-response-conference-and-expo/

Prospective attendees include:
Local, Regional, State, and Federal emergency management officials
Law Enforcement
Medical Emergency Response personnel
TSA personnel
FBI/SBI officers
HazMat Teams/CERTs
Bomb and EOD Teams
Military personnel
DHS personnel

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

Southeast Counter-Terrorism and Emergency Response Conference and Expo

Monday, July 26, 2010

Coordination Between Firefighters, Law Enforcement Has Improved Since Columbine

Coordination Between Firefighters, Law Enforcement Has Improved Since Columbine

http://www.officer.com/web/online/Top-News-Stories/Coordination-Between-Firefighters--Law-Enforcement-Has-Improved-Since-Columbine/1$53623

BY SUSAN NICOL KYLE Officer.com News

When the first responders arrived at Columbine High School in Littleton, Col., for the school shooting in 1999, they had no idea of the magnitude of the event.
Firefighters and EMTs stopped in front of the school where students were running toward them. They found a person with an ankle injury.
They had no idea that Jefferson County deputies were on the other side of the school and that two students were dead, and others injured, retired Littleton Fire Dept. Chief Bill Pessemier said Thursday.
Speaking at Firehouse Expo in Baltimore, Md. last week -- part of Officer.com partner Web site Firehouse.com -- Pessemier described the chaotic scene comprised of sirens, helicopeters, police officers, SWAT teams, traffic and anxious parents.
The response was an uncoordinated event that Pessemier said caused confusion between firefighters and law enforcement.
"We had no professional or operational relationship with these guys," he said, adding that it was difficult to get a handle on the incident.
Unable to communicate by radio, Pessemier said things were escalating quickly. They had never worked together, and therefore, didn't know one another.
"We had runners like the Roman army," he said, adding that phones, cell phones and radios were useless.
Pessemier said he agreed to allow the police to move one of the fire engines to use as cover for officers. "We were criticized for giving them our engine."
But, the chief defended his decision saying it made sense to him. Since they hadn't worked together, firefighters weren't familiar with terms like "clear."
Pessemier said after paramedics were motioned to come around back to get patients they found themselves in the middle of a firefight. "Luckily, they were bad shots."
Officers were transporting patients out to triage areas for treatment. "We'd never planned for that -- that officers would be bringing the injured to us."
One of his deputy chiefs, dressed in a black or dark bunker coat, who was assisting with the landing of a helicopter, was taken down at gunpoint. Had he been able to communicate with police, he would have been able to identify who the person was.
Pessemier urged fire and rescue crews not to wait until they're on the significant incident to introduce themselves to police officers.
He said it's essential for everyone to know the resources available beforehand.
Controlling the scene was almost impossible. Several ambulance companies responded on their own to assist.
The retired chief said someone needs to take the lead, and get people to understand that things like this could happen in their little town.
Pessemier added that Will Rogers said it best: "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."

Monday, July 12, 2010

6 dead, 4 wounded in New Mexico Office Shooting (Mass Shooting Resources)

6 dead, 4 wounded in New Mexico Office Shooting (Mass Shooting Resources)
No cost materials

Workplace Violence/Active Shooter BrochureFrom Safeguard Iowa Partnership for private industry/business.
www.safeguardiowa.com/resources/reports/spotlight

Active Shooter: Tri-fold Brochure for ResponseIn aftermath of the Fort Hood shootings, Air Force Education andTraining command officials emphasize vigilance and readiness to respondto unexpected life-threatening events. They issued tri-fold brochurefor training, education and response.
http://www.military-writers.com/active_shooter_aetc_response.html

EMS Response to Mass ViolenceWhat should you know to keep you and your fellow responders safe?
www.emsresponder.com/print/EMS-Magazine/EMS-Response-to-Mass-Violence/1$12663

FSF's "Mass Shooting - Planning and Response for Fire and EMS" program was reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's November 12, 2009 INFOGRAM.
http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html

Visor Cards/First Responder Check Sheets

AMU Checklist Cards. Downloadable versions of our AMU checklists cards containing helpful information to those who are working on the field. These documents can be saved and sent to recipients who are interested in learning more about these specifics topics.
http://www.apus.edu/resources/AMU-Community/Checklists/index.htm

First Responder Critical Incident Guide identifies key functions that are essential for first responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Special Teams, Military, etc.) during the first 10–30 minutes of a “critical incident”. Over 15 topics.
http://www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

Four busted in 'dirty bomb' sale sting in South Africa.

Four busted in 'dirty bomb' sale sting in South Africa.
RDD obviously still a threat.

www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100710085544493C308461

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Toronto 18

Excellent article on the Toronto 18 with a great overview of the "homegrown terrorist threat" with ties to international terrorism.

http://www3.thestar.com/static/toronto18/index.1.html

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Austin Deliberate Plane Crash: Incident Report and Analysis

Austin Deliberate Plane Crash: Incident Report and Analysis

On February 18, 2010, Andrew Joseph Stack deliberately flew his small single-engine aircraft into the Echelon I office building at 9420 Research Blvd. in Austin, Texas. Prior to that, he had set fire to his own residence approximately two miles from the Echelon I building, drove 15 miles to the Georgetown Municipal Airport, and took off heading straight for the Echelon I building.

Excellent report on response, operations, command and control, EOC, etc.
Go to http://www.fireengineering.com/index.html and put "Austin Plane Crash: Incident Report and Analysis" in the search engine.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

ADL Terrorism (Domestic and International) Resources

ADL Terrorism (Domestic and International) Resources

One resource for information. Breaking news and in-depth features on domestic and international terrorism.

http://www.adl.org/main_Terrorism/default.htm

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

C-SPAN Visits Houma, Louisiana Incident Command Post

C-SPAN Visits Houma, Louisiana Incident Command Post

A C‑SPAN crew was the first to get a tour of an Incident Command Post in Houma, Louisiana. It oversees all Gulf Oil Spill response efforts - from the spill site to the Louisiana coastline. Top-ranking Coast Guard and BP officials, working at the site, discuss their response efforts.

www.cspan.org/Watch/Media/2010/06/10/OIL/A/34178/CSPAN+Visits+Incident+Command+Post.aspx

Homeland Security Digital Library

Homeland Security Digital Library

www.hsdl.org

Materials in this public collection come from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Department of State (DOS), Congress, the White House, and other federal agencies. Specific types of documents available include Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports; Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reports; Congressional hearings, reports, documents, resolutions and public laws; Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports; Inspector General reports; Presidential directives, executive orders and reports; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) reports; theses and research reports from fede ral/defense schools; and reports from major federal commissions. Opening a limited part of the Collection provides a benefit to people who do not qualify for access, and it makes it easier for you to locate us on the open web.

As an account holder, you still have full access to the complete HSDL collection - all 73,000+ individually vetted resources. In addition to the federal documents, these materials include resources from tribal, state or local agencies; international governments; research institutions; think tanks; non-profits and more. Your account also gives you special access to the Policy and Strategy section, Featured Topics, Critical Releases, Ask a Librarian, and Email Alerts. Feel free to share the link to the HSDL website - www.hsdl.org - with others who may find our resources useful.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Bombings: Injury Patterns and Care Curriculum

Fact sheets, power point, pocket guides, etc.

http://www.acep.org/blastinjury

The curriculum was developed with the assistance of a task force that included representative experts from emergency medicine including physicians, surgeons, nursing, and EMS. Bombings: Injury Patterns and Care curriculum is designed to be the minimum content that should be included in any all-hazards disaster response training program. This content is designed to update the student with the latest clinical information regarding blast related injuries from terrorism.

http://www.acep.org/blastinjury

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Declassified Report Detailing Intelligence Failures in the Attempted Christmas Day Bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253

Declassified Report Detailing Intelligence Failures in the Attempted Christmas Day Bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253

Washington, DC –The Senate Intelligence Committee found 14 intelligence failures leading up to the attempted Christmas Day attack aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253 over Detroit, according to an unclassified report released today.

The report – announced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chairman of the committee, and Senator Kit Bond (R-Mo.), Vice Chairman – lists conclusions and recommendations designed to strengthen counterterrorism efforts going forward.

http://intelligence.senate.gov/press/record.cfm?id=325036

Monday, May 17, 2010

Workplace Violence/Active Shooter Brochure

Workplace Violence/Active Shooter Brochure

From Safeguard Iowa Partnership for private industry/business.

www.safeguardiowa.com/resources/reports/spotlight

Friday, May 7, 2010

The Times Square Bomb - Why it Failed

The Times Square Bomb - Why it Failed

www.efilmgroup.com/The-Times-Square-Bomb-Why-it-Failed.html

Explosive Devices: What every responder should know about IED's

Explosive Devices: What every responder should know about IED's

Follow these steps to plan for and safely respond to an incident involving known or suspected improvised explosive devices: www.jems.com/news_and_articles/articles/jems/3505/explosive_devices.html

Monday, May 3, 2010

Attempted New York City Vehicle Incendiary Device

In the evening of May 1, 2010, a vehicle with a large incendiary device was discovered and rendered safe in Times Square, New York City. The vehicle did not detonate as designed, and there were no casualties. The investigation into the attempted bombing is still ongoing. An investigation of the vehicle by police revealed the device contained three 20 pound propane tanks, two 5-gallon containers of gasoline, commercial-grade fireworks, two clocks with batteries, electrical wires, and a 4-foot by 2-foot metal box resembling a gun locker. Police used a robot to assist with the dismantling of the device. A New York City Police Department spokesman claimed the incendiary device appeared to begin to detonate, but did not function as intended.

Below are several resources that can assist in the planning, training and response to the vehicle borne IED threat.

The First Responder Critical Incident Guide identifies key functions that are essential for first responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Special Response Teams, Military, etc.) during the first 10-30 minutes of a "critical incident".
-Improvised Explosive Devices
-Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED)
-Continued IED Threat
-Post-Blast Response
www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

An excellent training resource available to first responders is the Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings (IRTB) course in Soccoro, NM, funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This course gives first responders information regarding planning for and responding to IED or terrorist events. The student will be able to witness live explosive events ranging from a small pipe bomb to a large car bomb. The course also allows the student to return to their respective agency and provide awareness-level training. For additional information, see http://www.emrtc.nmt.edu/

Emergency Film Group: Designed for police officers, firefighters, hazmat teams, bomb squads, EMTs, emergency management, military personnel, security guards and others who may encounter or respond to incidents involving IEDs. Both pre- and post-detonation response are portrayed. Training film "IEDs and VBIEDs" see
www.efilmgroup.com/Homeland-Security-/IEDs-VBIEDs-Video.html

Friday, April 30, 2010

Active Shooter: Tri-fold Brochure for Response

Active Shooter: Tri-fold Brochure for Response

In aftermath of the Fort Hood shootings, Air Force Education andTraining command officials emphasize vigilance and readiness to respondto unexpected life-threatening events. They issued tri-fold brochurefor training, education and response.

http://www.military-writers.com/active_shooter_aetc_response.html

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Information and Intelligence Sharing Systems

Information and Intelligence Sharing Systems

There are numerous Web sites related to information sharing. The following list of sites is provided by the National Criminal Intelligence Resource Center (NCIRC). Some of these sites are available to emergency management officials at the local, state and federal level.

http://sharingsystems.ncirc.gov/

Monday, April 26, 2010

First Responder Safety at a Small Aircraft or Helicopter Accidents

First Responder Safety at a Small Aircraft or Helicopter Accidents

Not typically related to mass violence or terrorism but a great resource for first responders and emergency management personnel. No-cost online course for first responders. Especially for those in big or small airport areas and flight path locations.

http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/gen_av/first_responders/

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Targeted Violence Affecting Institutions of Higher Education

Targeted Violence Affecting Institutions of Higher Education

http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac.shtml

The June 2007 Report to the President on Issues Raised by the Virginia Tech Tragedy included a recommendation that the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Department of Education and the Federal Bureau of Investigation explore the issue of violence at institutions of higher education. This collaborative effort examines the scope of the problem of targeted violence at U.S. institutions.

In total, 272 incidents were identified through a comprehensive search of more than 115,000 results in open-source reporting from 1900 to 2008. The incidents studied include various forms of targeted violence, ranging from domestic violence to mass murder. The findings should be useful for campus safety professionals charged with identifying, assessing and managing violent risk at institutions of higher education.

http://www.secretservice.gov/ntac.shtml

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

USFA Releases Report on the Fire Response to the Northern Illinois University Shooting

Emmitsburg, MD - The United States Fire Administration (USFA) released today a new technical report titled Northern Illinois University Shooting. On February 14, 2008, a former Northern Illinois University (NIU) graduate student walked onto the stage of a large lecture hall and began firing on startled students and faculty. The shooter, a 28-year old male, had a history of mental illness. He shot and killed five students and wounded 18, some critically. His suicide at the end of the brief attack brought the number of deaths to six.

From every after-action report this potentially devastating situation was handled with the highest levels of skill and expertise. The multiagency cooperation in response in Dekalb was virtually a textbook application of Unified Command and the NIMS. The key element contributing to the success of operations was NIU had a very well-defined plan that was exercised routinely. University and local first response leadership made a commitment to prepare and train for such an event following the 2007 Virgina Tech shooting.

The USFA develops reports on selected major incidents throughout the country. The incidents usually involve multiple deaths or a large loss of property, but the primary criterion for deciding to write a report is whether it will result in significant lessons learned. Under this project, USFA also develops special reports addressing a variety of issues that affect the fire service such as homeland security and disaster preparedness, new technologies, training, fireground tactics, and firefighter safety and health.

For additional information regarding this report, or other USFA Technical Reports, visit the Publications section of the USFA Web site at www.usfa.dhs.gov

Thursday, April 15, 2010

EMS Response to Mass Violence

EMS Response to Mass Violence

What should you know to keep you and your fellow responders safe?

www.emsresponder.com/print/EMS-Magazine/EMS-Response-to-Mass-Violence/1$12663

Thursday, April 1, 2010

School Safety Resource Center

Prevent, Prepare, Respond, and Recover
Colorado has established a School Safety Resource Center to help local schools “prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover from all types of emergencies and crisis situations,” including, of course, the ongoing threat of active shooters. http://www.safeschools.state.co.us/ Includes planning templates for small, medium and larger schools. Information on colleges/campuses also available.

http://www.safeschools.state.co.us/

Have a great holiday weekend!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Columbine (A new look)

Wanted to point you in the direction of a recently released book that was a very educational and an excellent read.

If you have any interest in some understanding of Columbine and all mass shootings, mass violence incidents I would highly recommend this book for a variety of reasons.
http://www.davecullen.com/

I suggest this book for anyone involved in emergency planning, school safety, threat assessments, law enforcement, etc.
http://www.davecullen.com/

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

FIRESCOPE FOG Manual

FIRESCOPE (FIrefighting RESources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies)

This is an excellent resource for Incident Command System (ICS) multi-agency, multi-hazard planning and training resources including the extremely valuable 2007 FIRESCOPE FOG Manual.

This site is fire centric but can be applied to multi-agency incidents such as flooding, fires, mass casualty, terrorism/WMD, hazmat, USAR, etc.

Visit the site and go to FREE DOWNLOADS at www.firescope.org/

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

"Field Friendly" First Responder Critical Incident Guide

"Field Friendly" First Responder Critical Incident Guide

The First Responder Critical Incident Guide is also available in a durable water proof, tear resistant version. Has large readable type for low light and flashlight conditions.

www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

The First Responder Critical Incident Guide identifies key functions that are essential for first responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Special Response Teams, Military, etc.) during the first 10-30 minutes of a "critical incident".

Bottle Bombs
Improvised Explosive Devices
Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED)
Continued IED Threat / Attack
Suspicious Letter / Package Indicators
Suspicious Powders / Substances Indicators and Response
Clandestine Drug Labs
Indoor Marijuana Grow Operations
Civil Unrest Planning and Response
Mass Shooting / Active Shooter
Fire/EMS Scene Safety at Scenes of Violence
Suicide Bomber • Bomb Threats
Explosives Post-Blast Response

www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

'Underwear Bomber' Could Not Have Blown Up Plane?

'Underwear Bomber' Could Not Have Blown Up Plane'?

This is not my comment, this is the focus of this article, video and experiment. Wonder if there are any OPSEC concerns with videos like this?


An experiment that detonated a bomb similar to the so-called "underwear bomber's" shows that the plane would have withstood the impact.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/underwear-bomber-explosion-plane-test.html


Friday, March 5, 2010

School Violence, Threat Assessments, School Shooters FREE RESOURCES

School Violence, Threat Assessments, School Shooters FREE RESOURCES

www.appliedcrimeprevention.com/Safety%20Manuals.htm

Applied Crime Prevention (ACP) provides a compehenive NO COST resource list of reference materials, reports and presentations reference school violence, threat assessments, crisis management in educational settings, school shootings, emergency planning, etc.

www.appliedcrimeprevention.com/Safety%20Manuals.htm

Thursday, February 25, 2010

First Responder Awareness Cards

First Responder Awareness Cards

No-cost First Responder Awareness Cards posted by the Wisconsin Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators. Please share with appropriate first responders, emergency management and critical infrastructure partners.

www.wiiaai.com/august_vernon.html

Cards cover such topics as mass shootings, bomb threats, threat awareness, suspicious powders, suicide bombers, etc. each card is only one or two pages in length.

www.wiiaai.com/august_vernon.html

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Mass Violence/Terrorism Training Films

After numerous requests for additional training information on mass violence and terrorism incidents I wanted to share some great options with you on some professionally made training films for emergency management, first responders, military assets and critical infrastructure.

These films are available from the Emergency Film Group: http://www.efilmgroup.com/

Two new films that you may be interested in are the "Active Shooter: Rapid Response" and "IEDs and VBIEDs" films. I had the opportunity to serve on the technical committee for both of these films and they are an excellent training tool.

Check out their site at http://www.efilmgroup.com/ They also have a wide variety of other hazmat, incident management, hospital, security, rescue and other types of training films.

Thanks again and be safe!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting Events

FSF's "Mass Shooting - Planning and Response for Fire and EMS" program was reviewed by the Department of Homeland Security's Emergency Management and Response Information Sharing and Analysis Center's November 12, 2009 INFOGRAM.

http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html


Preparation for and Response to Mass Shooting Events

Mass shooting events are becoming more common, and the response to them involves every public safety agency for miles around. This program details the actions that fire and EMS agencies can take to prepare themselves for this all-too-likely event, and the actions they can take when the event occurs. It covers:
Multi-agency planning and preparation
Creating a prevention environment
Command, command post and crowd control issues for this kind of event

An overview of the tactics that agencies should be familiar with This program is available in two formats. The 40+ PowerPoint slide presentation covers the material thoroughly, while the 45-minute video program is a verbal presentation of the PowerPoint material.

http://www.ffsupport.org/training.html

Friday, February 5, 2010

Local and Regional Planning for IED/HME Incidents

The first step in your agencies preparation for an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) and (Homemade Explosives) incident is providing proper training to all response and planning personnel.

Two more recent incidents utilizing explosives both domestically and internationally can be reviewed. In the interest of public safety and in view of current trends, it is prudent to review these current incidents and continue to develop effective public safety guidelines. On Friday, December 12, 2008, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated inside the West Coast Bank in Woodburn, Oregon. Two police officers, including one bomb technician, were killed in the explosion, and two others were injured. During the four day siege in Mumbai, India that began on Wednesday 26 November 2008 the latest open source reporting indicates a total of seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were employed during the four day long siege that killed over 170 and injured more than 300.

Preparation is the key to a mitigating an IED incident and that includes having a clear idea of your actions before the incident occurs. An excellent training resource available to first responders is the Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings (IRTB) course in Soccoro, NM, funded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This course gives first responders information regarding planning for and responding to IED or terrorist events. The student will be able to witness live explosive events ranging from a small pipe bomb to a large car bomb. The course also allows the student to return to their respective agency and provide awareness-level training. For additional information, see http://www.emrtc.nmt.edu

Also the First Responder Critical Incident Guide identifies key functions that are essential for first responders (Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, Special Response Teams, Military, etc.) during the first 10–30 minutes of a “critical incident” inlcuding an IED/HME incident. It addresses recognition, identification and response issues that first responders must deal with prior to the arrival of those with specialized training and equipment. http://www.redhatpub.com/page1/page3/page3.html

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

School Shooters/Too Young to Kill Program

Program on E! Network, covers some school shooters, on a show called "Too Young To Kill: 15 Shocking Crimes." The debut show airs on Wednesday, February 3rd at 9PM. It re-airs: Friday, February 5th at 5PM, Saturday, February 6th at 6PM, Sunday, February 7th at 8PM, and Monday, February 8th at 1AM.

www.eonline.com/videos/v49721_Too_Young_To_Kill__15_Most_Shocking_Crimes.html

First Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report

First Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report

Congressionally-mandated, top-to-bottom review of homeland security that will guide the Department of Homeland Security for the next four years and inform the nation's homeland security policies, programs and missions.

The core missions are as follows:
Preventing Terrorism and Enhancing Security
Securing and Managing our Borders
Enforcing and Administering Our Immigration Laws
Safeguarding and Securing Cyberspace
Ensuring Resilience to Disasters

http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/gc_1208534155450.shtm

Friday, January 29, 2010

MIPT Terrorism Warnings & Indicators Card

MIPT Terrorism Warnings & Indicators Card

Excellent resource that briefly describes suspicious key indicators. Excellent tool for responders. Remember prevention is the key!

http://www.mipt.org/library

Monday, January 25, 2010

Summary for "On Combat"

This is an excellent read and the latest from Lt.Col.Dave Grossman, a retired U.S.Army Ranger and Pulitzer nominated writer of “On Killing” and “Stop Teaching Our Kids To Kill.” Col. Grossman has become a nationally recognized subject matter expert on violence and the education of law enforcement officers.

On Combat looks at what happens to the human body under the stresses of
deadly battle the impact on the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and
auditory perception, memory - then discusses new research findings as to what
measures warriors can take to prevent such debilitation's so they can stay in
the fight, survive, and win.

www.killology.com/books.htm

Thursday, January 21, 2010

WMD and Terrorism Commission To Issue Report Card Grading Government on Protecting the United States

WMD and Terrorism Commission To Issue Report Card Grading Government on Protecting the United States

The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism was created by Congress to address the grave threat that the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction poses to the United States . Its report, World At Risk, identified 13 recommendations consisting of 49 actions that Congress and the Administration should take to change the trajectory of risk.

More information about the Commission, including the interim report, is available at www.preventwmd.gov

Friday, January 15, 2010

Report - Protecting the Force: Lessons From Fort Hood

Report - Protecting the Force: Lessons From Fort Hood

Report Finds Shortfalls in Countering Internal Threats

The shooting spree allegedly perpetrated by a self-radicalized soldier of Muslim faith has revealed shortcomings in the Defense Department’s ability to counter dangerous outside influences on the military, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

Gates disclosed this and several other key findings of a broad review he ordered after Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly killed 13 people in a Nov. 5 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Texas.

www.defense.gov

Friday, January 8, 2010

Beslan and Lessons Learned

This is a a great book and I have read it multiple times. Excellent reference material for those involved in emergency management, safety and critical infrastructure planning, protection and assessments.

Read the only book on the Beslan School attack that provides insights into
the Russian government and Special Forces in their planning and ultimate
rescue operation. No other author had access to these sources, and the
information provided by them got THE AUTHOR BANNED FROM RUSSIA!

The complete and accurate story of the Beslan School Siege that occurred in
Russia on September 1, 2004.

A book about the victims, the soldiers who were there, the history of the
events leading up to the tragic incident, and the lessons America can learn
to protect itself from terrorism. But it is more than just a story. Terror
at Beslan highlights the lessons of America's school system can learn from
the tragedy to protect itself from terrorism.

Following is a link directly to the book order page
http://archangelgroup.org/content_main/terror-at-beslan-p-1.html

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Release of the Security Review Conducted After the Failed Christmas Terrorist Attack

Release of the Security Review Conducted After the Failed Christmas Terrorist Attack

The review of our security and intelligence systems following the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day has been completed. The President spoke two days ago about "the urgency of getting this right," and the identification of failures in this review, along with the immediate ordering of reforms and corrective steps both today and in the days since this incident, are a recognition of that urgency. This review is also a recognition that while there is no place for partisanship and the old Washington blame game in dealing with Al Qaeda and the threat they represent, keeping American safe depends on honest and direct accountability.

www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/07/release-security-review-conducted-after-failed-christmas-terrorist-attack-0

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

School Shooters/Teen Killers

Could be a good program for those involved in threat assessments, mass violence planning, training and exercises.

Phil Chalmers will be making another appearance on the E! Network the evening of February 3rd, on a show called "Too Young To Kill." Don't miss this moving 2 hour program featuring over a dozen teen killers, and their stories.

www.philchalmers.com/index.php

Phil has interacted with numerous teen killers, school shooters, sexual predators, and serial killers, including Charles Manson, David "Son of Sam" Berkowitz, the Hillside Strangler, Pearl school shooter Luke Woodham, Moses Lake school shooter Barry Loukaitis, Jonesboro school shooter Mitchell Johnson, Paducah school shooter Michael Carneal, and hundreds more.