Protecting the Homeland - Guide to Homeland Secuity

Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness

The Role of the Public & Local Law Enforcement
Every citizen of our country has a role they can play in protecting the homeland in post September 11th era. While the Federal Government is responsible for covert intelligence and the nation's overall response to a terrorist threat, each of us has a responsibility to have a heightened state of awareness as we go about our daily lives.

Across this nation, we are all part of communities.  No one knows your neighborhood or your community like you do.  No one knows better than you what is normal or routine for your place of business, or your school, church, the mall or the park that you frequent.  Therefore, if you see something you know shouldn’t be there or someone’s behavior doesn’t seem right – say something. 

Be aware of and report all suspicious activity to your Police Department such as:

• People in and around buildings who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business.
• People monitoring areas, buildings or entrances.
• Unauthorized people in restricted, sensitive or private areas.
• People requesting information with no apparent need for that information.
• People wearing clothing not consistent with the weather conditions.
• Abandoned parcels or other suspicious items left in unusual locations.
• Individuals or groups of individuals attempting to access utility locations (water, electrical, petroleum, telecommunications, information systems).
• Abandoned vehicles.
• Vehicles parked near buildings or public areas.
• Unexpected/Unfamiliar delivery trucks.
• Unfamiliar vehicles parked for long periods of time.
• Vehicles containing unusual or suspicious parcels or materials.
• Vehicles arriving and being left behind at odd hours.
• Substances leaking or spilling from vehicles.

Take steps to prevent criminal activity at your place of work by doing the following:

Building/Office Security:

• Don't prop open building doors or windows. Correct these situations when you observe them.
• Account for and secure your keys. Don't leave them unattended or give to unauthorized persons. Report lost keys to the Police Department.
• Account for and secure all sensitive material/information/deliveries when not able to attend to it.
• Secure all areas when not attended.
• Be aware of unfamiliar persons in your area.
• Protect access codes, combinations and swipe cards. Change codes regularly.
• Take time out to familiarize yourself with building evacuation routes.
• Report suspicious tampering with physical security (doors, locks. etc.)
• Talk with co-workers; know what is out-of-place (unclaimed items, etc.)

Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.  Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe.  “If You See Something, Say Something®”  (https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something). 

While terrorism and criminal acts are a critical component of the Chesterfield Police Department’s mission, the department also maintains an updated All Hazards Plan and regularly trains for handling various catastrophic emergencies, to include natural disasters, hazardous materials incidents, and airplane crashes, to name a few.  The men and women of the Chesterfield Police Department are ready to respond to any incident within our community and we work closely with other local, state and federal first responders to protect our community.

For more information about Homeland Security and planning to protect yourself, visit the following Web sites:

Missouri Department of Homeland Security https://dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/ohs/
Ready.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
St. Louis County Office of Emergency Management