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In Reply to: Re: Big brother watching you/us posted by and this on August 12, 2008 at 12:17:38:
The Department of Homeland Security wants your help to prevent a terror attack in Las Vegas. But would you know what tell-tale signs to look for?
What would you think if you saw someone with a map and binoculars? Or if you saw that same person walking up and down the Strip? In a tourist environment, it all may seem normal. But these are just two of seven signs of possible terrorist activities.
Comment: This is normal behavior in a tourist city like Las Vegas. How else would one see the strip if one couldn't walk? Tourists unfamiliar with the strip would need a map to get around...
These are things everyday people may stop and think -- it just doesn't seem right. That's why officials say your eyes can help derail a terrorists plan of attack.
The RJC is where you'll find Larry Threadgill -- pounding the pavement, passing out fliers. On these side walks of justice, you wouldn't believe the things he's seen. "From naked women, to guys trying to kill themselves."
From the street corner Threadgill has an up close view. "Being the observant person that I am, I watch them anyway."
Nevada's Department of Homeland Security says Threadgill's watchful eye makes him key to preventing terrorists attack in the valley. "The government thinks I could be a part of the first line of defense," said Threadgill. Shocking news to him -- because he wouldn't know what to look for.
UNLV'S Institute for Securities Study put together a DVD, "The Seven Signs of Terror" -- made for people who could help spot terrorist activity such as school police. The DVD lists what to look out for and gives a resource to call for help.
Ross Bryant works at the institute and says if this program would have been in place before 9/11, hospitality workers may have been able to spot the 9/11 hijackers. They came to town leading up to the attacks and stayed in a motel on the Strip.
"It is important that people who work in the industry, when they see something suspicious, they feel comfortable calling," he said. "Maybe that one incident doesn't bring actionable intelligence but that combined with other Intel can piece together the puzzle."
Although terror attacks aren't top of mind for most people, knowing what to look for is a wake up call for everyone.
The seven signs of terror are:
1. Surveillance -- watch out for people standing around surveying or taking video or pictures.
2. Information gathering -- be on the lookout for people requesting maps of blue prints of buildings.
3. Testing security -- terrorists may watch to see how long it takes emergency responders to get to a scene.
4. Planning
5. Suspicious behavior
6. Rehearsal -- terrorists may rehearse for the attack over and over so look out for that
and
7. watch for people getting into positions that may not seem normal.
The DVD, "The Seven Signs of Terrorism" will be used throughout the state. Officials are making 20,000 copies in English and Spanish.
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Council officials are demanding powers to pry into taxpayers' bedrooms in a bid to counter fraud, the Conservatives have claimed.
People claiming the single person's discount (SPD), which cuts 25% off the council tax bill of households with only one adult, are being pressured into signing a declaration allowing inspectors to check their status and access their property.
The "wholly disproportionate" powers would mean people losing the benefit, which can be worth hundreds of pounds, unless they allow officials into their bedrooms to check they are actually single, shadow communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles said.
But the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) dismissed Mr Pickles' claims as "utter nonsense" and designed to frighten vulnerable and elderly people.
DCLG guidance states that appointments should be made before inspections, but also encourages councils to carry out "spot checks" on people claiming the SPD.
A letter sent to residents seeking the SPD by Thurrock Council, where the Tories are the largest party, requires them to "authorise the council or its agents to make enquiries to corroborate this claim" and "permit the council or its agents to inspect the property on request".
The Conservatives believe other authorities are being forced into introducing similar requirements as a result of pressure from Whitehall.
Mr Pickles said: "Day by day under Labour, the rights and liberties of law-abiding citizens are being undermined, with more and more state officials trying to enter and spy on people's homes.
"It may be appropriate for local authorities to check that council tax discounts are not wrongly claimed. But it is wholly disproportionate to threaten higher council tax bills if residents do not allow state officials into their bedrooms.
"This is another worrying sign of function creep. State duties originally intended to tackle fraud are now being over-used by bureaucrats in a heavy-handed, intrusive manner. I fear such state intrusion is a sign of things to come, with an army of bureaucrats currently being trained to enter homes across the country for Gordon Brown's council tax revaluation."
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A family whose house was raided by police in error is outraged that eight officers involved were honored. Police say the eight, who also took fire, "performed bravely."
© David Joles, Star Tribune
Vang Khang traded gunfire with Minneapolis police in December when they raided his house looking for a violent gang member. Khang's family counted 22 bullet holes
First, the city apologized. Then it gave awards.
Eight Minneapolis officers received medals in City Hall Monday for their valor in a botched raid that the city apologized for last year. That isn't sitting well with the family shot at multiple times by the officers.
"I'm shocked that they're receiving awards for that night," said Yee Moua. "My family is a mess right now. My [9-year-old] son, who saw the shooting, still has nightmares and has needed therapy. They've ruined a life, and I don't understand why they would get rewarded for that."
The awards stemmed from a high-risk search in December. The eight officers -- who had SWAT training -- entered the house expecting to find a violent gang member. Instead, they found Vang Khang, a 35-year-old homeowner who thought he was being robbed. Khang shot through his bedroom door at the officers until he understood who they were.
In the midst of the shootout were Moua, who is Khang's wife, and their six children, who range in age from 3 to 15. Moua said her family has since abandoned the house and can no longer afford to keep it.
Minneapolis police spokesman Sgt. William Palmer said Tuesday the department has acknowledged the raid was a mistake and has apologized to the family. But he said the officers "performed very bravely under gunfire and made smart decisions."
Minneapolis Police Chief Tim Dolan said that he knew giving the award might get negative attention but that "we've never not recognized an officer shot in the line of duty."
Three officers received shrapnel damage to body armor and their ballistic helmets, Palmer said.
Dolan said he did not speak with the family prior to the award ceremony, but he did speak with Hmong community leaders in north Minneapolis who were "mostly understanding."
