See something, say somethingAkron University professor teaches students on how to spot terrorist plots
Professor David Licate, a professor at the University of Akron, wants his students to be aware of those who may be buying bomb-making materials. In his class last Friday, Licate stressed to his homeland security course students that the community needs to look out for warning signs or suspicious behavior in an effort to prevent future tragedies.
Professor David Licate, a professor at the University of Akron, wants his students to be aware of those who may be buying bomb-making materials.
In his class last Friday, Licate stressed to his homeland security course students that the community needs to look out for warning signs or suspicious behavior in an effort to prevent future tragedies.
“The day of an attack, unfortunately, is not the time to be thinking about prevention,” Licate told his class.
News Channel 5-ABC reports that Licate said that store workers and customers alike should be on the lookout for anyone purchasing a large amount of chemicals which are used in nail polish remover, pools, batteries, and fertilizers.
The professor also said that if you spot a suspicious purchase, you should try to engage the person in conversation to see whether they are exhibiting any strange behavior such as nervousness, not looking up, or not talking back to you
“If you have individuals that are purchasing mass quantities or they’re purchasing fertilizer and they have no use for such a mass quantity, that’s an indicator,” Licate told the class.
“Strike up a conversation. Ask them about it. If it’s suspicious, write some information down,” Licate added.
Licate also discussed with his students the bomb-making awareness program which is sponsored by the FBI and DHS, many of whom are close to finishing their college education and are hoping to land jobs in law enforcement and private security.
According to the DHS Web site, the program helps local businesses and local law enforcement identify homemade explosives by showing them what chemicals could be bought to make or improvise a homemade bomb. The program also gives tips on who to contact in the event that a person witnesses suspicious behavior.
The Web site noted the bombing which occurred in London, where beauty supply clerks who sold the conspirators bulk quantities of chemicals did not consider it to be suspicious purchasing behavior and also did not know who to contact.
Licate wants his students to be on the lookout, even in casual settings and when not on the job.
“We have to be eternally vigilant. That’s the price of freedom. The price of liberty is vigilance,” Licate told the class.
