Eagle Eyes promotes community's involvement in security Published Nov. 4, 2014 By Public Affairs 914th Airlift Wing NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION N.Y. -- Security Forces defend the base, but everyone can help ensure Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station is safe and sound through the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Eagle Eyes program. Law enforcement officers rely on the eyes and ears of the entire community. If Airmen or citizens notice anything out of the norm or suspicious, either on or off base, they should report it immediately to local law enforcement or base security forces, who are available 24 hours a day at 716-236-2280. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can use the AFOSI anonymous tip line by visiting https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111 or download the TipSubmit Mobile application from your provider's marketplace - Select "Federal/Military" and then "Air Force Office of Special Investigations" or text "AFOSI" plus your tip information to 274637 (CRIMES). The AFOSI Tip Line provides service members and civilians a safe, discreet and anonymous option to report criminal information, counterintelligence indicators or force-protection concerns. Additionally, Airman should visit www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/terrorism or www.safesoundfamily.com/p/family-safety-terrorist-attacks and learn about devising a plan that can help keep themselves and their loved ones safe. What to Watch For: Surveillance Overt surveillance may involve a person standing outside the gate jotting down notes or taking pictures. Some surveillance is more covert, such as a "broken down" car in a place where its occupants can observe base activities while waiting for "help." In order to plan an attack, terrorists must acquire information about the base and its personnel. In the early stages this can be done by reading published information; searching the Internet or surveillance; but at some point the terrorists will try to obtain undisclosed information; this is usually done through elicitation. Elicitation Elicitation may occur by phone, fax, e-mail, snail mail, or in person. A terrorist may call and pose as an Air Force member, asking to speak to a high-ranking Air Force official to find out if he/she is deployed or away from base. Someone may approach an Air Force member in uniform at an off base restaurant and, feigning curiosity, strike up a conversation: "Oh you work at Andrews. What do you do? ... How many people from your office are deployed? ...What kind of planes do you have on base?" etc. Although these questions may seem harmless, this is how terrorists gather insider information necessary to carry out their plan. If people suspect that someone is trying to elicit information from them, they should not reveal anything and should contact their supervisor or Security Forces at 301-981-2001 and ask for the on call AFOSI duty agent. Tests of security This occurs when the terrorists attempt to measure the base's security reaction time and to assess its strengths or weaknesses. This may include someone driving at a high speed toward the gate to gauge the guards' reactions or it may involve a person hopping the fence and seeing how long he/she can elude the guards. At this stage, terrorists are interested in finding out the capability of the security they are up against, and how much they can get away with. Acquiring supplies Terrorists must also collect the necessary tools to carry out their mission. This may include purchasing or stealing weapons, ammunition, uniforms, military ID cards, or any other controlled items. Dry cleaners often call saying they have ID cards that were left in clothes; though this seems harmless, this could provide terrorists access to the base so it is important for on base personnel to keep track of their ID cards and other controlled items. Suspicious persons/vehicles out of place It's also important to note suspicious people who "don't belong." After working in an office for a few weeks, people typically know who belongs in the office. They should not be afraid to ask to see an ID or orders. If they prefer not to take a direct approach, they can contact Security Forces to address the individual. When reporting suspicious individuals, provide as much information as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, gender, clothing type and color, approximate height, and distinguishing marks or tattoos. When reporting suspicious vehicles, include color, make, model and most importantly a license plate number (even a partial plate number). Dry run This is the test run, when the terrorists rehearse their plan, map out routes, and determine the timing and flow of their attack. After the rehearsal, the terrorists deploy their assets and get into position. At this point, they are putting on their masks and readying themselves to carry out their mission. This is the last opportunity to catch the terrorists before the attack occurs, so it is crucial to alert authorities immediately. Deploying assets This is a person's last chance to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs. Look for people loading up vehicles with weaponry/explosives, etc., and/or parking that vehicle somewhere, or people in military uniforms (who don't look right) approaching an installation or getting into a vehicle, or people who seem out of place standing by at a certain location as if waiting for something to happen. You and your family are encouraged to learn the categories of suspicious behavior and stay attuned to your surroundings. If you observe something suspicious please report it immediately to local law enforcement or base security forces, who are available 24 hours a day at 716-236-2280. Please ask to be put in contact with an AFOSI agent when contacting base security forces. More information regarding the Eagle Eyes program is available at http://www.osi.af.mil/eagleeyes/.