Domestic Violent Extremism Prevention

Protect Your Every Day.

Domestic Violent Extremism

The FBI defines domestic terrorism as violent, criminal acts committed by individuals and/or groups to further ideological goals stemming from domestic influences, such as those of a political, religious, social, racial, or environmental nature.

Public Protection and Reporting Tips

Remain aware of your surroundings
Refrain from oversharing personal information
If you see some that looks or feels "off", report this suspicious activity (reporting sources below).

What is Considered Suspicious Activity?

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that may indicate pre-operational planning associated with terrorism or terrorism-related crime. By identifying and swiftly reporting this activity, an event can be prevented before it occurs.

How to Report Suspicious Activity

Local law enforcement (non- emergency lines or 911 in case of emergency)
Call NYS Terrorism Tips Hotline at 1-866-SAFENYS (1-866-723-3697)
Submit an anonymous tip the NYS Terrorism Online Submission Portal

Information to Gather to Assist Investigation of Tips

Who did you see
When you saw it
Where it occurred
Why it is suspicious

Pre-Event Indicators Can be Defined in Three Main Sections

Motivation- these actions build, solidify, or communicate violent ideological beliefs.
Preparation- these actions suggest that an attack may occur in the near term, as ideas begin to be acted upon.
Mobilization- these actions are identified days or hours before an attack, suggesting that it may be imminent.

Do you know what suspicious activity looks like? Test your knowledge with the drop downs below.

Expressed or Implied Threat: Communicating a spoken or written threat to commit a crime that could harm or kill people or damage a facility, infrastructure, or secured area.
Observation/ Surveillance: A prolonged or unusual interest in facilities, buildings, or infrastructure beyond casual or professional interest.
Photography: Taking pictures or videos of persons, facilities, buildings, or infrastructure in a covert manner, such as photos or video of security related equipment or personnel, infrequently used access points, or structure of a building.
Theft / Loss / Diversion: Stealing or diverting items—such as equipment, uniforms, or badges—that belong to a facility or secured site.
Testing or Probing of Security: Challenging or testing a facility's security or IT systems to assess the strength or weakness of the target.
Aviation Activity: Operating or interfering with the operation of an aircraft that poses a threat of harm to people and property.
Breach / Attempted Intrusion: Unauthorized people trying to enter a restricted area or impersonating authorized personnel.
Misrepresentation: Presenting false information or misusing documents to conceal possible illegal activity.
Eliciting Information: Questioning personnel beyond mere curiosity about an event, facility, or operations.
Acquisition of Expertise: Gaining skills or knowledge on a specific topic, such as facility security, military tactics, or flying an aircraft.
Cyberattack: Disrupting or compromising an organization’s information technology systems.
Recruiting / Financing: Funding suspicious or criminal activity or recruiting people to participate in criminal or terrorist activity.
Sabotage / Tampering / Vandalism: Damaging or destroying part of a facility, infrastructure, or secured site.
Materials Acquisition / Storage: Acquisition and/or storage of unusual materials such as cell phones, radio controllers, or toxic materials.
Weapons Collection / Storage: Collection or discovery of unusual amounts of weapons including explosives, chemicals, or other destructive materials.
Sector-Specific Incident: Actions which raise concern to specific sectors (e.g., power plant) with regard to their personnel, facilities, systems, or functions.