01/29/2010

CROSSFIRE
Public Safety & Health Field Intelligence Report
CrossFIREisapartnershipbetweentheNewYorkState Intelligence Center (NYSIC), the New York Office of HomelandSecurity(OHS),theOfficeofFirePrevention & Control, and the Department of HealthBureau of EMS. WewelcomecontributionsthatarerelevanttoFirstRe spondersfromtheFire,EMS,Health,HAZMAT,andLaw Enforcementcommunities. Questions,comments,orsubmissions?ContacttheNew York State Intelligence Center (NYSIC) at Cross [email protected]/7assistance,you can reach the NYSIC at 186648NYSIC, or [email protected].

UNCLASSIFIED//FOROFFICIALUSEONLY(U//FOUO)
(Notforpublicormediarelease.Thisdocumentisforofficialuseonly.Limitdisseminationtolawenforcement,firefighting, emergencymedical,health,security,hazardousmaterials,antiterrorism,andintelligencepersonnel,anddesignatedlocal,state, federal,tribalandmilitaryofficialswithaneedtoknow.)

C ROSSF IRE
Public Safety & Health Field Intelligence Report

Recenttheftsofradiocommunicationsequipmentfrom FireandEMSAgencies

FireDepartmentsinWarrenandWashingtonCounty haverecentlyreportedtheftsofcommunicationsequipment

Theftsincludeportableandmobileradios,alongwithsoftwarecapableofprogrammingthisequip ment. Onlynewermodel,VHFradioshavebeenstolen.Lowbandandoldermodelradios(whicharent capableofnarrowband)havebeenleftuntouched. Ofparticularconcern:programmingsoftwarehasbeenstolen.Thissoftwarecouldpotentiallybe used to reprogram radios with frequencies of law enforcement agencies, Fire and EMS services, andotherpublicandprivatesectororganizations/businesses.

Examplemodel ofportable radiosstolen: HT1250. Approx.market pricerange $600$700.

Examplemodel ofmobile radiosstolen: CDM1250. Approx.market pricerange $500$600.

UpdateonradioequipmenttheftsinSuffolkandNassauCounties

NassauCountyfireofficialsreporttwentyeight(28)separatetheftsfromChiefsvehiclesin2009. BetweenDecember26thand28th,2009,therewerefive(5)separateincidentswhereequipment wastakenfrommarkedFireDepartmentandAmbulancevehiclesinSuffolkCounty.Theseinci dentsinclude:

PortableradiostakenfromFireChiefvehicles. Twoportableradiostakenfromamarkedvehiclewhileparkedatalocalrestaurant. An incident where an individual attempted to steal a roofmounted light bar from an ambulanceservicevehicle;thismightberelatedtotheportableradiothefts.

...stolencommunicationsequipmentcouldbeusedtoplanandconduct criminalorterroristactivity.

UNCLASSIFIED//FOROFFICIALUSEONLY(U//FOUO)
(Notforpublicormediarelease.Thisdocumentisforofficialuseonly.Limitdisseminationtolawenforcement,firefighting, emergencymedical,health,security,hazardousmaterials,antiterrorism,andintelligencepersonnel,anddesignatedlocal,state, federal,tribalandmilitaryofficialswithaneedtoknow.)

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Public Safety & Health Field Intelligence Report

RECOMMENDATIONSFORFIRSTRESPONDERS
Ensureallbuildingdoorsandgaragedoorsareclosedandsecuredbehindyou. Donotleaveanydoorsproppedoropenunlesssomeoneismonitoringthem. Closeandsecure(lock)windowswhennooneispresent. Only give access codes and security information regarding your building(s) or facility(s) to those

withaneedtoknow. Maintain an uptodate list of personnel with access codes and security information; regularly changeaccesscodes. Avoidloaningyourkeystoanyoneorleavingthemunattended. Regularlyinventorycommunicationsequipmentbefore/aftercalls. Arecordofequipmentserialnumbersandmake/modelshouldberetainedbydepartmentofficers andequipmentshouldbepermanentlymarkedwithdepartmentidentifiers. Ifpossible,whenoutofstationoronanactiveemergencycall,leaveacrewmemberwithyourap paratus; or lock the vehicle. If this is not possible, try to park the vehicle in a location where a memberofyourcrewcanmonitorit. Check your vehicles and stations at the start and end of each shift to ensure communications equipmentispresentandhasnotbeentamperedwith. When working at emergency scenes or visiting facilities, ensure that each responder has depart mentcredentialsvisible. Identifyandimmediatelyreportanyunfamiliarfirstrespondersthroughyourchainofcommand. Question any offers to program or sell radio equipment by individuals, shops, or businesses that are not known, reputable dealers. Report any information that you can obtain to law enforce ment. Immediatelyreporttheft,damage,orunusualactivityoccurringtoyourfacilitiesorvehicles tolocallawenforcementandto1866SAFENYS.

SOURCES: (1)Mr.BrianLaFlure,WarrenCountyFireCoordinator/EmergencyManager,01/28/2010. (2)Dec29,2009SCANEMAILINFORMATIONBULLETIN:PortableRadioThefts. (3)NassauCountyPoliceDepartmentIntelligenceBulletin.AssetForfeitureandIntelligence,LeadDevelopment Center.INT.0965.OfficerAwarenessLarceniesofF.D.EMSPortableRadios,&ClonedEmergencyVehicles. (4)CurrentinformationverifiedthroughSuffolkandNassauCountyPoliceDepartmentson01/29/2010. (5)CommunicationwithOfficeofFirePreventionandControl;12/30/2009.

UNCLASSIFIED//FOROFFICIALUSEONLY(U//FOUO)
(Notforpublicormediarelease.Thisdocumentisforofficialuseonly.Limitdisseminationtolawenforcement,firefighting, emergencymedical,health,security,hazardousmaterials,antiterrorism,andintelligencepersonnel,anddesignatedlocal,state, federal,tribalandmilitaryofficialswithaneedtoknow.)

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Public Safety & Health Field Intelligence Report

Safeguard
New York
Information sharing and situational awareness are integral components to secure our country, our state, and our community. With that in mind, you shouldbeawareofaprogramdesignednotjustforfirefightersorprehospital careproviders,butforallNewYorkers.

SAFEGUARD NEW YORK is an important program, partnering community members, businesses and emergency service professionals. We work to gether to alert state and local law enforcement to suspicious activities and potentialactsofterrorism.Youareoureyesandearsontheground,onthe streets,goingtogrocerystores,inthemall;youcanhelpusfulfillourpublic safetyresponsibilities.

Earlyrecognitionandreportingofpotentialterroristactivitycanserveasthe firstlineofdefenseagainstthosewhocommitactsofterrorism.Ifyouwitness anything suspicious, contact your local law enforcement; or the New York StateTerrorismTipslineat1866SAFENYS(18667233697).

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

Report Any Suspicious Activity to the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline:

1-866-SAFE-NYS 1-866-723-3697
(Across New York State)

1-888-NYC-SAFE 1-888-692-7233
(In New York City)

UNCLASSIFIED//FOROFFICIALUSEONLY(U//FOUO)
(Notforpublicormediarelease.Thisdocumentisforofficialuseonly.Limitdisseminationtolawenforcement,firefighting, emergencymedical,health,security,hazardousmaterials,antiterrorism,andintelligencepersonnel,anddesignatedlocal,state, federal,tribalandmilitaryofficialswithaneedtoknow.)

AN ESSENTIAL ROLE IN PUBLIC SAFETY

Information sharing and situational awareness are integral components of securing our country, our state, and our community. With that in mind, you should be aware of a program designed not just for firefighters or pre-hospital care providers, but for all New Yorkers. SAFEGUARD NEW YORK is an important program partnering community members, businesses and emergency service professionals like you to work together to alert members of state and local law enforcement to suspicious activities and potential acts of terrorism. You are our eyes and ears on the ground, on the streets, going to the grocery stores, in the mall, being citizens; you can help us to fulfill our public safety responsibilities. Early recognition and reporting of potential terrorist activity can serve as the first line of defense against those who commit acts of terrorism. If you witness anything suspicious, you are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement or the New York State Terrorism Tips line at 1-866-SAFE-NYS (1-866723-3697).

New York State

Office of Homeland Security

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SOMETHING! SAY SOMETHING!

Report Any Suspicious Activity to the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline at

1-866-SAFE-NYS 866-SAFE866-7231-866-723-3697
Across New York State

There are seven signs of terrorism that all citizens should be aware of, especially first responders. As part of a fire company or ambulance service responding to emergency scenes on a daily basis, you may be the first to notice a pattern of activity suggestive of a terrorist plot, and yours may be the only call to alert law enforcement before an incident happens. Like all emergency service providers, you have a sense of call patterns, and when something doesnt feel right you know it. As emergency service professionals, you should be aware there is a concern that individuals seeking to commit acts of terrorism may utilize emergency service organizations to acquire certain materials, skills, or training in order to succeed with their intentions. These individuals may also target first responders; or they may pose as emergency services personnel in order to access certain locations and appear to belong. For the safety of yourselves, your partners, and your fellow citizens, your continued vigilance is essential. Again, any signs of suspicious activity may be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the New York State Terrorism Tips Hotline at 1-866-723-3697 (1-866SAFE-NYS).

888-NYC1-888-NYC-SAFE 888-6921-888-692-7233
In New York City
New York State Office of Homeland Security
Harriman State Office Campus 1220 Washington Avenue Building 7A Albany, NY 12242 (518) 402-2227 www.security.state.ny.us

Safeguard New York

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING! Report Suspicious Activity 866-SAFE1-866-SAFE-NYS

and Fire and EMS

New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control

99 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12231 (518) 476-6746 www.dos.state.ny.us/fire/firewww.html

New York State Department of Health

Corning Tower Albany, NY 12237 (518) 554-4501 www.health.state.ny.us

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS SHOULD BE ALERT FOR

A person who is hostile, uncooperative or expressing hate or discontent with the United States. Unusual chemicals or other materials that seem out of place. Ammunition, firearms, or weapons boxes. Surveillance equipment, still and video cameras, and night vision goggles. Maps, photos, blueprints. Police manuals, training manuals, flight manuals. Little or no furniture other than a bed or mattress. Inquiries regarding certain types of over the counter drugs and their potential harmful effects. Requests to purchase, or knowledge of how to purchase particular medications. Inquiries into the purchase of a new, used, or decommissioned emergency vehicle, or how to authenticate emergency vehicle markings.

HOW EMERGENCY SERVICES CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM LOSS

Monitor and control who is entering your stations: current employees/members, former employees/members, and delivery and service personnel. Check identification and ask individuals to identify the purpose of their visit to your department. Report broken doors, windows and locks to your organizations security personnel as soon as possible. Repairs should be made in a timely manner. Back-up files or copies of sensitive and critical information and databases should be made. Store, lock, and inventory your organizations keys, access cards, uniforms, badges, and vehicles. Monitor and report suspicious activity in or near your facilitys entry/exit points, parking areas, garages, and immediate vicinity. Suspicious-looking packages should be reported to your local law-enforcement. DO NOT OPEN or TOUCH. Shred or destroy all documents that contain sensitive personal or organizational information that is no longer needed. Keep an inventory of your most critical equipment, hardware, and software. Store and lock your personal items such as wallets, purses, and identification when not in use. Question an unexplained withdrawal by a student after completion of training or a certification program. Be alert for suspicious individuals observed loitering in the vicinity of parked ambulances, fire apparatus, or hospital and emergency room entrances. Investigate loss of equipment associated with fire or EMS vehicles: this includes medical equipment and supplies, medications and controlled substances, uniforms, insignias or decals, vehicle license plate(s), special parking placards, lights, sirens, and communication equipment.

KNOW THE SEVEN SIGNS OF TERRORISM

1) Surveillance: Terrorist cells have been known to record and monitor activities, taking pictures and making drawings. Be alert to those individuals you see at emergency scenes on a repeat basis. Being observant supports homeland security and fire prevention efforts. 2) Information Gathering: In your interaction with the public be aware of individuals attempting to gain information about your operations, staffing and security protocols that appear to be more than just typical curiosity. 3) Tests of Security: Be alert to any attempts to measure reaction times to entering restricted areas. Be alert to who is in and around your station. Emergency vehicles and uniforms have been stolen in an attempt to use them during acts of terrorism. 4) Acquiring Supplies: Through your full-time or parttime employment be alert to those attempting to obtain explosives, weapons, uniforms, badges, credentials, etc. Amassing large quantities of equipment should send up a red flag if the individual acquiring those materials has no business doing so. 5) Suspicious Persons Out of Place: This may include people who are in places they should not be, as well as people who do not fit into the daily routine of surroundings or the emergency scene. 6) Dry or Trial Run: Be alert to people that just look out of place or you have seen at multiple emergency scenes as they could be part of a dry run exercise for illegal activity. Be alert to multiple false alarms to the same location, especially areas considered critical infrastructure such as government buildings and schools. 7) Deploying Assets: Beware of what looks like people and supplies getting into position to commit an act of violence. Remember scene safety, if you spot something or get information on the way to a call that suggests you and your crew would be in danger consider staging at a safe distance and follow your departments scene safety protocols.

TERRORIST GROUPS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO TARGET FIRST RESPONDERS

First responders should be alert on every call; ranging from motor vehicle accidents to calls to residences, businesses, and public spaces. Upon arriving at a potentially man-made incident, responders should be aware of the possibility of a second attack or bomber. Those who target first responders cause a delay in care for those who are injured. Emergency services personnel should conduct a thorough observation of all people at the scene of an attack, including the injured to detect possible threats. Responders should be alert to the behavior of those on scene, including friends and family members of patients/victims.

Know the Routines Be aware of what is going on around you Take what you hear seriously If you see something, say something!