Terrorism Awareness Information For
Citizens
The security of the Village of Wheeling depends greatly
on citizen involvement. No Illinois law enforcement agency can
effectively protect life and property without the support and
cooperation of the citizens they serve. The Wheeling Police
Department needs your help in countering terrorism. Much like
our Neighborhood Watch program, we ask you to be our eyes and
ears. Reporting of suspicious activity can help disrupt the
terrorist planning cycle. Terrorists are trained to "blend
in" and assimilate to their surroundings. Most terrorist's
acts are well organized and well planned. Terrorists will
conduct training, surveillance and "dry runs" prior to
commission of a terrorist act. They like to strike at government
and civilian targets in an effort to instill fear. Although it
is the intent of the terrorist to instill fear in you, it is
your vigilance that the terrorist fears most. Reports can be
made any time by dialing 9 - 1 - 1.
When recording the essential details utilize the following
guide:
- Who did I observe?
- What specifically did I see?
-Where did I observe the specific
behavior?
- When did I observe the specific
behavior?
- Why do I think the behavior is
suspicious?
There are three elements in reporting a description to the
police:
- Accuracy (most important)
- Speed
- Completeness
Tips on Giving a Description For a person:
- Sex
- Race
- Age (approximate)
- Height (approximate)
- Weight (approximate; use 10lb.
blocks)
- Build (medium, heavyset, thin, etc.)
- Hair (color, length, include facial
hair)
- Complexion (light, dark, ruddy,
olive. etc.)
- Eyes (color, glasses)
- Peculiarities (scars, tattoos,
missing limbs, etc.)
- Clothing (from head to toe, style,
defects)
- Weapons (if any) - Method of
escape (direction, vehicle,
etc.)
For a Vehicle:
- Year, make and model
- Body type (2 door, 4 door, van, SUV,
etc.)
- Passengers (number of people in
vehicle)
- License Plate (most important)
- Damage or anything unusual (logos,
etc.) - Color
We need you to:
- Remain alert and be aware of everyday
activities in your
neighborhood. Take
notice of unusual behavior. Report
any unattended
backpacks, suitcases or packages left in
inappropriate
locations.
- Encourage the involvement of family,
friends and
neighbors.
- Take precautions when traveling. Do
not accept packages
from strangers. Do
not leave luggage unattended.
- Learn where emergency exits and
stairways are located.
Think about how to
evacuate a building or congested public
area in a hurry. - Be
aware of what is going on around you
at home and while you
are away.
Suspicious Activity In the event you become aware of
suspicious activity:
- Do not take direct action
- Do not confront the individual; and
- Do not reveal your suspicions.
- Do record as many details as
possible; and
- Do notify the appropriate authorities
as soon as possible.
Become involved in
Neighborhood Watch. Neighbors
working together with
police and other emergency
personnel, observing
and reporting incidents, conditions
and crime in their
neighborhoods.
Ways to Improve Observation Skills
- Employ good listening skills
- Do not let personal feelings
interfere with the
incident
- Look at the entire situation before
making a judgement
- Watch for non-verbal communications
signs
- Use feedback to obtain and verify
information and
observations
- Observe and report - Do not become
personally involved
More Terrorism Links
-Shelter in Place from the American Red
Cross
(www.redcross.org/services/prepare)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov.)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
410-265-8080
(www.FBI.gov)
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The Village of Wheeling,
Illinois
255 West Dundee Road
Wheeling, IL 60090
(847) 459-2600
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