Showing posts with label em_terrorism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label em_terrorism. Show all posts

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/

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