I’m sure everyone who is reading this can remember where they were and what they were doing 13 years ago today. I was on the fifth floor of Headquarters serving as acting deputy chief of the Patrol Bureau because the regular deputy chief was on vacation that week. I was looking out the window when the first crash happened. There was a TV in my office, and I looked over and saw it.
There is so much to remember and reflect upon today, but one thing that keeps crossing my mind is how vital the relationships between first responders are. Police officers and firefighters were the ones rushing into the Twin Towers that day when everyone else was rushing away from them. They worked together to get thousands of people to safety. Sadly, hundreds of first responders lost their lives in their attempts to save the lives of others.
While Kansas City never has experienced anything near the scope of those attacks (and I pray we never will), our police officers, firefighters and paramedics enter dangerous situations all the time, often side by side. We are blessed to have two groups of professionals who work so well together in Kansas City.
Dozens and dozens of times each day, KCPD and KCFD join up to serve the people of Kansas City – at car wrecks, when someone has been assaulted, medical emergencies, arsons and so many more. A few weeks ago, we conducted joint active shooter training at City Hall. We know that both our departments would be called upon in such an emergency, and we are fortunate that we enjoy such a good relationship and can offer such a quick and professional response. I thank the members of both departments for all they do for the community.
Off the clock, there are many friendships and much camaraderie between members of our agencies. We donate to each other’s charitable causes and have supported each other through difficult budget times. Firefighters have even come to the aid of our officers when they were being assaulted. We have a solid relationship, and we are always ready to work for the good of the people of Kansas City.
Speaking of the public, we need you to continue to assist us. While today reminds me of the importance of first responders, it’s also a reminder that we must remain vigilant. Always be aware of your surroundings, and report any suspicious behavior you may see. The Kansas City Terrorism Early Warning Center’s web site offers some tips on what to look for. We appreciate your help in keeping our community safe.
In light of the tragic terrorist attack in Boston, many have asked what we’re doing to ensure security in Kansas City. The answer to that question is, “a lot.” While we have taken additional measures since the Boston bombings, a good deal of what we do is an ongoing and constant vigilance at the local, state and federal level that has been in place for years. This vigilance has led to the disruption of terrorist training and funding going on right here in Kansas City and has been part of every major event we plan for in the community.
In regard to the Boston attack specifically, our Homeland Security Unit and the Kansas City Terrorism Early Warning Center – a regional team of analysts – are searching numerous sources for any indication of if, where and when something may happen, not just in Kansas City proper but across the metropolitan area. They are staying in constant contact with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI and other governmental partners to obtain the latest information. We have received no credible threats for our area at this time.
We are constantly preparing for emergency response to natural or manmade incidents. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game was a prime example. About this time last year, we conducted a full-scale exercise with federal, state and local agencies that involved hundreds of players responding to a mock explosion with civilian casualties at Kauffman Stadium. That helped us further refine our emergency operations plan for the All-Star Game as well as our critical incident manual, which is updated regularly. We work with all city agencies at the Emergency Operations Center and exercise our capabilities on at least an annual basis. We have resources like a new fleet of helicopters, a mobile command post and a mobile communications trailer for incident management in Kansas City and throughout the region.
No one should be afraid to carry on with their normal activities. Run the race you planned to. Go to sporting events; enjoy concerts, shopping, dining and more. While it’s important that everyone carry on as normally as possible, we do ask that you remain aware of what’s going on around you. This is the case for regular crime as well as terrorist activities. If you see something suspicious, report it to law enforcement. The KC Terrorism Early Warning Center has some good guidelines on what could constitutes suspicious terrorist activity.
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This weekend, we will observe the 10th anniversary of the worst terror attack on American soil. Security is understandably heightened nationwide and here in Kansas City (like at KCI Airport). I want you to know that KCPD is better prepared to combat terrorism than ever before. Our Homeland Security Unit is closely tied to federal, state and local agencies that investigate terrorism and conduct many investigations on their own. Just in 2010, they conducted 158 international terrorism investigations and 65 domestic ones. The video at the bottom of this post explains some of the ways KCPD has changed in its approach to fighting terrorism in the last 10 years.
We also are part of the Kansas City Terrorism Early Warning Center, which links the region together and keeps law enforcement informed of any possible threats.
Police have remained very vigilant about anything that could signal a possible terrorist attack in Kansas City. Nine box trucks - like those used in the Oklahoma City federal building bombing - were stolen in Kansas City earlier this week, and our officers and detectives immediately went to work to track them down and see if there were any ties to terrorism activities. Within just a couple days, investigators had located all nine trucks and two suspects. The suspects were career auto thieves who had been out of jail for just a few weeks and had no ties to terrorism.
But police can't be everywhere. We need your help. If you see something, say something. Be alert for the seven signs of terrorism and report anything suspicious. You can report any this to the Kansas City Terrorism Early Warning Center, which has partnered with the TIPS Hotline, at 816-474-TIPS; KCPD’s Homeland Security Unit at 816-889-6130; your local law enforcement agency; or the Kansas City FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force at 816-512-8200. If you sense an impending emergency, call 911. You can even report suspicious activity online.
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It was somewhat prescient that at last month’s Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association meeting, our guest speaker was Bob Kolenda, the director of the Kansas City Regional Terrorism Early Warning Inter-Agency Watch Center. Our Homeland Security Unit as well as many other area local, state and federal law enforcement agencies participate in this agency to monitor trends and assess threats that could result in terrorist attacks.
Although our Homeland Security Unit has reported there are no specific threats at this time, given the recent focus on the death of the world’s most notorious terrorist, it seems a good time to remind the public of the important role you play in detecting and reporting potential terrorist activity. Last year, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano launched the “See Something, Say Something” campaign. This initiative encourages regular citizens to keep an eye out for suspicious behaviors and to report them to law enforcement. Before any of the recent events, Director Kolenda reminded local police chiefs last month of the importance of this program, pointing out that the best resources law enforcement has for detecting potential terrorist behavior is you.
Terrorist experts recognize eight signs of terrorism. Terrorist operations usually begin with extensive planning, and these eight things are what to look out for. It is important to note that you should not report anything based on race, gender or religion – only suspicious behavior. Keep in mind domestic terrorism (like the Oklahoma City bombing) is just as real a threat as terrorists from overseas. The video at our Kansas City Terrorism Early Warming Group’s web site (it was produced by the Colorado Information Analysis Center) does a good job explaining the below eight signs of terrorism:
1.) Surveillance and Photography – Demonstrating an unusual interest in facilities, buildings or infrastructure that a reasonable person would consider suspicious. Examples include using binoculars, taking notes and attempting to measure distances. Taking pictures or video of infrequently used access points, security personnel carrying out their duties or security-related equipment.
2.) Elicitation – Questioning individuals at a level beyond mere curiosity about particular facets of a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures, etc.
3.) Testing security – Challenging security installations, personnel, systems, and cyber security.
4.) Funding – Making unusually large transactions with cash or gift cards; making large donations to a charity you’ve never heard of.
5.) Acquiring supplies – Acquiring unusual amounts of precursor materials like cell phones, pagers, fuel, timers and weapons
6.) Impersonation – Pretending to be a law enforcement, government or security official or company employee to gain more information or access.
7.) Rehearsal – Putting operatives in position, monitoring police radios, measuring emergency response times.
8.) Deployment – Arranging assets, positioning players, carrying out an attack. Call 911 immediately if you witness this.
You can report any of these things to the Kansas City Terrorism Early Warning Center, which has partnered with the TIPS Hotline, at 816-474-TIPS; KCPD’s Homeland Security Unit at 816-889-6130; your local law enforcement agency; or the Kansas City FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force at 816-512-8200. If you sense an impending emergency, call 911. You can even report suspicious activity online.
Many people think terrorism doesn’t happen in places like Kansas City, but check out these steadily rising statistics from our Homeland Security Unit about local investigations into reasonably suspicious terrorist activities:
And just last year, KCPD and the Heart of America Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated Khalid Ouazzani, a Kansas City resident who later pleaded guilty in federal court to supporting the terrorist group Al-Qaida.
In summation, we need your eyes and ears to keep Kansas City and America a safe place to live, work and play. If you see something, say something.
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The Kansas City Missouri Police Department, along with several other local, state and national agencies who are part of the Heart of America Joint Terrorism Task Force, conducted an investigation that led to the guilty plea this morning of a Kansas City man who was financially supporting Al-Qaida. This was announced at a press conference this afternoon with U.S. Attorney Beth Phillips.
Khalid Ouazzani, 32, pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to materially supporting a terrorist organization, bank fraud and money laundering. Ouazzani is a native of Morocco who is a naturalized citizen of the United States. He swore an oath of allegiance to Al-Qaida in June 2008. He admitted to participating in a conspiracy to support the group from August 2007 to February 2010.
Ouazzani owned and operated Truman Used Auto Parts in Kansas City, Mo. In April 2007, he took out a $175,000 line of credit from Union Bank in Kansas City for what he said was to be used as working capital for his business. He sold the business in August 2007, and donated $6,500 of the proceeds to Al-Qaida with the help of a co-conspirator (who is not being identified at this time). He never repaid the bank loan.
He used some of the loan money for himself, but in May 2007, he transferred $112,830 to a bank account in the United Arab Emirates and used it to buy an apartment there. He later sold the apartment at a profit of $17,000 - money that he also gave to Al-Qaida through a co-conspirator.
U.S. Attorney Phillips said at the press conference there was no evidence that Ouazzani presented any imminent threat or harm to the community. He did have conversations with others about various ways to support Al-Qaida, including plans for them to fight in Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia.
KCPD is a proud member of the Heart of America Joint Terrorism Task Force, of whom U.S. Attorney Phillips said today, "Much or their work is behind the scenes. They play a crucial role in investigating terrorist activities." The members of the Task Force include:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
Defense Criminal Investigative Service
Federal Air Marshals Service
IRS-Criminal Investigation
Kansas City Kansas Police Department
Kansas City Missouri Police Department
Kansas Highway Patrol
Missouri State Highway Patrol
Overland Park, Kan., Police Department
U.S. Attorney's offices fo the Western District of Missouri and the District of Kansas
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. Marshals Service
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
U.S. Secret Service
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