Utah Department of Public Safety

“Recognizing 8 Signs of Terrorism”

The Utah Department of Public Safety releases new video

In light of the recent terror attacks in Paris, the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds everyone to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency.

“If you See Something, Say Something”

The Utah DPS Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC) works closely with local law enforcement to analyze threats to public safety.

SIAC is closely monitoring the Paris situation. SIAC works closely with law enforcement throughout the state, and throughout the United States to share and follow any leads or information that would indicate suspicious circumstances regarding potential terror activities. SIAC, Utah’s designated fusion center, is one of 78 state and locally owned fusion centers across the United States and is continuously receiving, analyzing, and disseminating information relevant to public safety.

Implications of the Paris Situation in Utah

In addition to SIAC efforts, Public Safety Commissioner Keith Squires, who serves as Governor Herbert’s Homeland Security Advisor for Utah, participated in a national conference call with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security Headquarters, along with the other state’s Homeland Security Advisors. They shared information regarding the attacks in Paris and potential implications in the U.S. The results of the call and analysis to date indicate there are no specific threats related to Utah.

“Sadly, we live in a day and age where criminals and terrorists can affiliate themselves through the Internet with radical extremist groups or ideologies and use these causes to support carrying out violent attacks on innocent citizens anywhere in the world. That is why it is imperative that we all work together and report suspicious activity when we see it.” –Commissioner Keith D. Squires

Utah DPS Response to the Paris attacks and other terrorist-related activity

As part of our ongoing commitment to public safety and the citizens of Utah, we have partnered with the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), Lt. Governor Spencer Cox, local law enforcement agencies and many others, and have created a video and the Community Awareness Program (CAP) designed to educate citizens on how to properly recognize and report suspicious activity in a manner that reduces the likelihood of terrorist attacks and protects the civil liberties of our citizens.

The CAP is designed to build and strengthen law enforcement (LE) and community partnerships. All Utah LE agencies will have access to the CAP and will have the opportunity to properly train citizens within their communities to be vigilant, aware, and prepared. The training curriculum will be available to LE agencies in January. More information will be released then.

Some activities that would be important to watch for suspicious activity might include events with large gatherings of people. These gatherings may include sporting events (NCAA, NBA, MLS), entertainment venues, parades, marathons, cycling or ski events, and other high profile activities.