City of Frederick , Maryland
OPERATION SAFEGUARD
GUN TRADE SHOWS
As described in
the accompanying letter, Operation SAFEGUARD is based on
the idea that certain legitimate businesses and industries may be unknowingly
exploited by terrorists who portray themselves as honest customers seeking to
purchase, lease or somehow appropriate certain material, licenses and/or
services to covertly further a terrorist plot.
The following may be general indicators of potential terrorist planning or activities. Alone each indicator can result from legitimate recreational or commercial activities or criminal activity not related to terrorism; however, multiple indicators combined with other information can possibly suggest a terrorist threat.
- Physical surveillance, which may include note taking or the use of binoculars, cameras or maps near key facilities.
- Attempts to gain sensitive information regarding key facilities or personnel through personal contact or by telephone, mail or e-mail.
- Attempts to penetrate or test physical security and response procedures at key facilities.
- Attempts to improperly acquire explosives, weapons, ammunition, dangerous chemicals, flight manuals or other materials that could be used in a terrorist attack.
- Suspicious or improper attempts to acquire official vehicles, uniforms, badges, access cards or identification for key facilities.
- Presence of individuals who do not appear to belong in the workplace, business establishment or near a key facility.
- Behavior which appears to denote planning for terrorist activity, such as mapping out routes, playing out scenarios, monitoring key facilities and timing traffic flow or signals.
- Stockpiling suspicious materials or abandoning potential containers for explosives (e.g., vehicles or suitcases).
The following examples of activity relating to Gun Trade Shows, though not fully inclusive, may be of possible concern to law enforcement:
· Questions pertaining to the ease of converting a weapon from a semi-automatic to full-automatic.
- The potential of little to no traceability of a weapon(s) (i.e., weapons may not be registered.)
- Inquiries regarding the combat effectiveness of a particular weapon(s) (i.e., proven effectiveness through military/law enforcement testing.)
- Suspicious inquiries regarding specialty loads the weapon(s) may handle (i.e., Black Talons, Teflon coated, etc.).
- Questions pertaining to bulk purchase
prices and sales when the individual is not a licensed dealer.
- Person(s) trying to finagle
around legal issues surrounding the selling of a weapon(s) (i.e., willing
to
edeal in cash or make a trade, no questions asked.)
·
Questions concerning the purchase of specialty
weapons (i.e. Rocket launchers, mortars) and where to buy them.
Your impressions and assessment based upon your professional business experience are extremely valuable and should help guide you in determining if a customer request, a fact pattern or set of circumstances is unusual. Please remember that the conduct itself does not have to be criminal per se for you to report it to the Frederick Police Department. We may be contacted 24-hours a day, seven days a week by calling:
301-600-2100
SGT Dennis K. Dudley
Planning Division
Frederick Police Department
301-600-1206 (Office)
301-600-2082 (FAX)