USAF EAGLE EYES PROGRAM - Why it's Important Published Feb. 24, 2012 By Steven G. Nutt Installation Antiterrorism Officer HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- A few weeks ago my office counterpart and I were discussing potential topics for an upcoming public service message to Team Hill and it dawned on us that although we instruct personnel to report suspicious activity as part of the Eagle Eyes Program, we have never fully explained why it so important they do so. Most of you know that each report is immediately investigated by Security Forces and/or Air Force Office of Special Investigation to rule out any immediate threat to the installation, but fewer know what happens to the report after this initial response. Once the preliminary response is complete, the information from each report is sent to the Utah Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), a multi-agency counterterrorism center designated to receive such reports. The SIAC receives hundreds of pieces of information each year from law enforcement agencies, private organizations and citizens throughout Utah. Their task is to analyze and evaluate all the information they receive using a set of analytical programs and determine if there is any relationship between these individual pieces of information and possible terrorist or criminal activity. If this analyzed information reveals potential criminal or terrorist activity it is then shared with key state and federal law enforcement and counterterrorism agencies. The process is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle, and as the puzzle picture starts to appear, to share it with the right people. One of the recipients of this analyzed information is the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who have used the information from over 72 fusion centers across the country to thwart dozens of terrorist plots since 9/11, including the most recent attempt on the U.S. Capitol Building. The suspicious activity you report today, though it may appear at the time to be unimportant or minor, may be the one small piece of the puzzle that completes the picture and leads to another victory in the war on terrorism. I urge everyone on Hill AFB to be on the lookout for suspicious activities, and to report it immediately to the Security Force Base Defense Operation Center at 801-777-3056 or 801-777-3057. What to Report (1) SURVEILANCE. Is when someone is recording or monitoring activities. They are using cameras (either still or video), note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices. (2) ELICITATION. People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities, or people. Elicitation attempts may be made by mail, fax, telephone, or in person. (3) TESTS OF SECURITY. Any attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses. (4) ACQUIRING SUPPLIES. Purchasing or stealing explosives, weapons, ammunition, etc. Also includes acquiring military uniforms, decals, flight manuals, passes or badges (or the equipment to manufacture such items) or any other controlled items. (5) SUSPICIOUS PERSONS/VEHICLES OUT OF PLACE. People or vehicles that don't seem to belong around the workplace, neighborhood, business establishment, or anywhere else. * Remember for suspicious individuals; provide as much information as possible including gender, clothing type and color, approximate height, distinguishing marks, etc. For vehicles a vehicle description to include color, make, model, and most important a license plate number (even a partial plate number), is extremely helpful. (6) DRY RUN. Putting people into position and moving them around according to their plan without actually committing the terrorist act. An element of this activity could also include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow. (7) DEPLOYING ASSETS. People and supplies getting into position in order to commit the terrorist act. This is the last chance to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs!