Potential Signs of Terrorism
Eliciting Information
Questioning individuals at a level beyond mere curiosity about particular facets of a facility's or building's purpose, operations, security procedures, etc.
Testing of Security
Deliberate interactions with, or challenges to, installations, personnel or systems that reveal physical, personnel or cyber security capabilities.
Photography
Taking pictures or video of facilities, buildings or infrastructure in a manner that would arouse suspicion. Examples include taking pictures or video of:
- Infrequently used access points
- Personnel performing security functions
- Security-related equipment (fencing, security cameras, etc.)
Observation/Surveillance
Demonstrating unusual interest in facilities, buildings or infrastructures beyond mere casual or professional (e.g., engineers) interest. Examples include:
- Observation through binoculars
- Taking notes
- Attempting to measure distances, etc.
Supplies
Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc. Acquiring military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes, or badges.
Impersonation
People who do not seem to belong in the workplace, neighborhood, establishment, etc. Suspicious border crossings, impersonation of law enforcement, military personnel/or company employees.
Funding
Suspicious transactions involving large cash payments, deposits, or withdrawals.
Materials Acquisition or Storage
Acquisition and/or storage of unusual quantities of materials, such as cell phones, pagers, fuel, chemicals, toxic materials and timers.
Acquisition of Expertise
Attempts to obtain or conduct training in security concepts, military weapons or tactics.
Weapons Discovery
Discovery of unusual amounts of weapons or explosives.
What is a Fusion Center?
A fusion center is a collaborative effort of state and federal agencies working in conjunction with local partners to share resources, expertise, and/or information to better identify, detect, prevent, and respond to terrorist and criminal activity utilizing an all crimes/all hazards approach.
The multidisciplinary approach of a fusion center increases state and local law enforcement's understanding and awareness of threats to public safety which is now a cornerstone of modern law enforcement activity.
Fusion centers were created after 9/11 as a way to mitigate intelligence gaps and readily share intelligence across all levels of local, state, and federal partners.
More. . .
Partners
Virginia State Police
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Department of Corrections
Virginia Department of Health
Virginia Department of Fire Programs
Virginia National Guard
U. S. Department of Homeland Security
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The exchange of information and resources derived from Virginia Fusion Center (VFC) partnerships is fundamental to providing a coordinated response to terrorism and criminal-related issues affecting the Commonwealth of Virginia. Information received and generated by the VFC is used to:
- Prevent, interdict or respond to terrorism and criminal activity
- Educate law enforcement, homeland security officials and VFC partners on current terrorist and criminal activity
- Pursue and apprehend offenders
- Obtain evidence necessary to support prosecution
Privacy Policy
The Virginia Fusion Center's (VFC) privacy policy establishes internal guidelines to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of the citizens we serve as it relates to the collection, submission, disclosure, and retention of personal identifiable information with a nexus to terrorist and/or criminal activity that could impact public health or safety. It is the mission of the VFC to ensure that information collectors do not seek information about an individual or organization solely on the basis of political, religious, or social views, or race, ethnicity, citizenship, place of origin, age, disability, gender, or sexual orientation. Any comments or concerns related to potential or actual violations of the above policy and guidelines should be directed to the VFC Privacy Officer through email at: vfc.privacy.officer@vsp.virglnia.gov.
Virginia Fusion Center statutes
Threats/Incidents
Involving Suspected
Acts of Terrorism
Dial 911
