Town of Dunstable, MA

In this month’s article, I will discuss three counterterrorism steps recommended through the Department of Homeland Security concerning potential acts of terrorism at large shopping malls. With the advent of globalization, we must remember that we are not immune to remote acts of terrorism. Retailers and visiting shoppers are encouraged to become familiar with three simple steps in order to counter potential threats of terrorism: 1) Recognize a threat 2) Report a threat and 3) React to a threat.

The history of domestic and international terrorism has demonstrated that we must be alert to recognizing suspicious activity in all environments. Therefore, shopping malls require retailers and shoppers to be noticeably observant of any suspicious activity. This activity may include suspicious packages that are not congruent to the retail environment. An individual taking uncommon photographs may be gathering information for future attack. Individuals asking security related questions may be involved in terrorist planning operations. Some of these persons may appear sociable and amicable as they conduct sinister pre-planning surveillance. 

Reporting (Step two) the threat requires citizens to recall specific details. Authorities may ask the five (5) W’s which remain the foundation for reporting observations:

A)  Who did you observe?

B)  What specifically did you see?

C)  Where did you observe the suspicious activity?

D)  When did you observe the suspicious behavior?

E)  Why do you think the behavior is suspicious?

When reporting a potential terrorist incident to police, it may be helpful to immediately document all important observations. Your recorded observations may be helpful to investigators. Documentation remains secondary to securing a safe location distant from the threat.

 Reacting (Step 3) requires taking action. If the threat is forthcoming, an instant intervention will be necessary. All interventions should be pre-planned and contain an organized evacuation plan. Depending on the type of threat, reacting may involve locating a temporary safe location within the shopping mall.  Secondary actions may require reporting the incident to police and/or shopping mall security.  Calming alerting others to the threat may prove helpful.

After the fact, interviews with police and investigating officers may help determine what occurred. This information could be of great importance in countering future threats.

Wishing you the best until next time!

Sincerely,

James G. Downes III

Chief of Police

Emergency 9-1-1, Business 978 649 7445

Web Site: Dunstable-ma.gov (Police Services)

Cable Access: Groton Dunstable 9-1-1 program

Charter#13 or Verizon FIOS #31

Program Day & Time: Mon 7:00 P.M.; Wed. 6:30 P.M.; Thurs. 5:30 P.M.; Sat. 10:30 A.M.