November 9, 2006

LANSING - The popular "Seven Signs of Terrorism" training video, which educates citizens on the behaviors and actions to watch out for that may indicate an individual is plotting a terrorist attack, is now available as a DVD with Arabic and Spanish voiceovers.

The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) produced 500 copies of the video in VHS form in 2004 for use by schools and community groups. Due to its popularity, law enforcement organizations nationwide and in other countries including Canada, England, Germany and Mexico have requested copies.

In response, 9,000 copies of an English-only DVD were then produced. To reach a multilingual audience, 24,000 DVD copies have now been produced featuring the three languages, using funding from the 2004 Citizens Corps grant.

The DVD will be distributed to schools, public and private sector organizations, and private citizens upon request. Additionally, 36,000 "Seven Signs of Terrorism" brochures (English only) have also been produced.

Sgt. Jerry King of the MSP/EMHSD Homeland Security Section narrates the seven-minute video, which was filmed in Port Huron. The video was produced by MSP employees, with cooperation from the City of Port Huron and its police department.

"This video has been successful because it explains in clear, direct language, and with fictional role playing, what people should watch out for in terms of a possible terrorist attack," stated Capt. Eddie Washington, EMHSD commander. "With large, diverse populations in our state, we felt it was important to share this potentially life-saving message with them."

The Seven Signs of Terrorism are:

• Surveillance - The recording or monitoring of activities with a camera; note taking, drawing of diagrams, marking of maps, etc.
• Elicitation - People or organizations trying to gain information about infrastructure, people, or military operations and capabilities
• Tests of Security - Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses
• Acquisition of Supplies - Purchase or theft of explosives, weapons, or ammunition; acquisition of military or emergency responder uniforms or decals, flight manuals, passes or badges
• Suspicious Persons Out of Place - People who do not belong in the workplace, neighborhood, or in a particular building
• Dry Runs/Trial Runs - Putting people into position and moving them around according to their plan without actually committing the terrorist act. May include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow
• Deployment of Assets - People and supplies getting into position to commit the act. This is a person's last chance to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.

To obtain a "Seven Signs of Terrorism" DVD at no cost, call the EMHSD Homeland Security Section at (517) 336-6411.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.