City of Frederick , Maryland
OPERATION
SAFEGUARD
NIGHTCLUBS, DANCE CLUBS & BARS
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.
Moreover, in some instances, these types of businesses or locations may themselves
become the target of a terrorist attack.
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 Nightclubs, Dance Clubs and Bars, though not fully inclusive, may
be of possible concern to law enforcement:
·
Individuals
bringing or attempting to bring unusual packages into the premises.
·
Suspicious
behavior by an individual attempting to enter your club (i.e., subject is
alone, excessively nervous, perspiring, wearing bulky clothing that is
inappropriate for the weather conditions, etc.).
·
Unusual
inquiries made by individuals regarding specific events scheduled at your club
or regarding your club’s patrons (i.e., questions about the “profile” of your
club’s patrons, the purpose of an event or featured club or artist, etc.).
·
Unusual
questions about the type of security implemented and practiced at your
establishment.
·
Overheard
conversations in which individuals make unusual or alarming statements.
·
Individuals
found in areas of your club that are off limits to patrons (i.e., rooms with
access to the HVAC system, electrical system; roof. etc.).
·
Individual
videotaping, photographing or sketching the premises for no apparent reason.
·
Suspicious
vehicles parked outside your establishment.
·
The
appearance of different street vendors in the sidewalk area outside of your
club.
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)