The following is a question and answer summary intended to clarify the actions undertaken by the UPD in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11th.

Q.    What is UPD doing to support the safety of the campus?

A.    First, UPD understands that terrorist acts are defended against in the same way that all criminal acts are defended against. That is, to eliminate the motive, the means or the opportunity of a crime. The UPD has no ability to effect motives or means of the modern terrorist. The UPD can however effect opportunity by being as proactive and as security conscious as possible. By placing emphasis on prevention it is hoped that the safety of the community is supported. UPD is implementing the following therefore in an effort to enhance safe in this community:

• More officers in and around the podium and quads on foot for increased visibility and presence to deter possible terrorist incidents and enhance public confidence.
• Increased our security protocol at public events to include metal detection, pat-downs, the prohibition of bags, coolers, umbrellas, backpacks, etc. The use, when available, of bomb dog to discourage chemical, biological, or bomb terrorist events
• Enrolled in ANSIR which is the Awareness of National Security Issues and Response and FBI intelligence distribution lists and joined the Capital District Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force (Attorney General's anti-terrorism regional task force)
• Purchased three metal detectors to increase security effectiveness at large public gatherings in the RACC
• In the process of training an explosives canine unit
• Establishment of protocols suggested by the Department of the Treasury, Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, Anti-terrorism outline. These include lighting, shrubbery, housekeeping, physical security
• Distributed advisories regarding mail handling to our community
• Advised and reviewed relevant credentials information provided by the Department of Immigration & Naturalization intended to help local law enforcement detect fraudulent documents sometimes submitted by illegal aliens.
• Provided, revised and reviewed to all staff the bomb threats and security planning guidelines from ATF
• Provided directives to the staff from the FBI, regarding appropriate response to bioterrorism, specifically in this case, Anthrax.

Q.    Is the threat of a terrorist attack real?

A.    The simple answer is yes. The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, says the following:  no jurisdiction, urban, suburban, or rural is totally immune. An act of terrorism can occur anywhere, at any minute. The FBI and other intelligence and law enforcement organizations have agreed that other terrorist attacks are virtually 100% certain.

Q.    What kinds of targets do terrorists usually attack?

A.    Terrorists attack places with historical or symbolic significance, with high economic impact, telecommunications facilities, mass transit systems, public buildings and public assemblies.

Q.    Why would the University at Albany need to be vigilant?

A.    Federal authorities agree that nearly all communities contain some high visibility targets. Targets that are situated along routes with high transportation and access potential are vulnerable. This describes the University at Albany's location. Add to that the University at Albany's hosting of a number of public assemblies:  football games, basketball games, speakers, social events, and the need to be vigilant becomes obvious.

Q.    Has any high school or college been targeted by an international terrorist attack?

A.    No, but there have been a number of domestic terrorist attacks involving high schools. In California, one even involved a day care center.

Q.    What kind of terrorist attack could occur?

A.    Four types are more likely:  biological, incendiary, chemical and explosive.

Q.    Of categories mentioned above, which might be the most likely?

A.    Bombs. It is estimated that 70% of all terrorists attacks worldwide involve explosives. The FBI reports that of 3163 terrorist incidents in the U.S., since 1994, 77% were due to explosives.

Q.    When a bomb is planted, aren't we likely to get a warning?

A.    That is highly unlikely. Of the bombing mentioned since 1994, only 4% were preceded by a warning or a threat. The FBI also notes that even when police agencies know of the presence of the threat of a bomb or explosive device, there is only 20% chance of finding it. Residential properties are the most common targets of bombings.

Q.    What can I do to help?

A.    Although there is no reason to suspect that the campus is unsafe in any way, it is important to be vigilant in this environment without being frightened. You can play a very important role in this effort by doing the following:

• Make certain windows and doors are locked after the close of business.
• Making certain that doors are not held propped open.
• You know best who should be in your area of employment. If you see someone who appears to be out of place, or that you don't recognize, please call the University Police Department.
• Report any suspicious behavior at the University Police Department at 442-3131.

Q.    Can you guarantee that a terrorist attack will not happen here?

A.    We will do everything we can to limit our vulnerability, but we cannot guarantee that we can immunize ourselves from all vulnerability. One final comment — The safety and security of this community depends on a partnership between concerned citizens and the Police Department. Thank you very much for your assistance.