Richmond, Va. –
Defense Logistics Agency security officials are urging employees to remain vigilant, reminding them that they share everyday observations with neighbors, colleagues, family and friends.
Throughout the week, routine work habits seem to go on autopilot as you talk to the same people and travel the same paths. In those same travels and discussions with co-workers, you may observe something that just doesn’t seem right or is out of place.
DLA Installation Management Richmond’s Security and Emergency Services Division wants to hear about those unique observations.
Russell Pitts, installation antiterrorism officer and Richmond’s DLA iWatch coordinator encourages employees to say something if what is being observed is out of the ordinary.
“See Something, Say Something” is the simple message behind the iWATCH DLA antiterrorism awareness program designed by DLA to engage the workforce in protecting our workplace. Program success is built around awareness, education, reporting and strong security-workforce partnerships.
Awareness starts with understanding the indicators of terrorism, terrorism-related crime, and other suspicious activity so we, as employees, can share or report key information to DLA security officials before an incident occurs. An informed, alert workforce plays a critical role in keeping Defense Supply Center Richmond, Virginia safe.
Suspicious activity can be defined as any observed behavior that could indicate criminal activity, terrorism or potential terrorism-related activity. This includes, but is not limited to:
Unusual items or situations: a vehicle parked in an odd location, a package/briefcase is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
Eliciting information: a person questions an individual at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
Observation/surveillance: someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest; this includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (with binoculars or smart phone); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.
Some of these activities could be innocent, but it is law enforcement’s responsibility to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities described above are not all-inclusive but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.
Public safety is everyone’s responsibility. It is important to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement (911 on installation phone only, or 804-279-4888 on all phones), your supervisor, iWATCH DLA e-mail DLAAVNiWatch@dla.mil, or through DLA Today DLA iWATCH.
While reporting, include specific information describing what was observed, including:
- Who or what you saw.
- When you saw it.
- Where it occurred.
- Why it is suspicious.