Sullivan County, meet your friendly neighborhood Counter-Terrorism Action Team

Law enforcement officers in the New York State Counter-Terrorism Zone 4 have announced that tomorrow -- Wednesday, December 14 -- they'll be paying visits to train stations, shopping malls, and busy local roadways in Sullivan, Rockland and Orange County.

The officers, who are from local and state police departments, will be conducting commercial vehicle checks, making sure high-profile areas are safe, and "discussing terrorist related indicators with shoppers."

(So, if you find yourself being chatted up by a uniformed anti-terrorist officer at the Home Depot, don't worry: It's a routine thing.)

The goal, according to a NYSP press release, is to help civilians be more vigilant about terrorism:

CTZ-4 will utilize its Counter Terrorism Action Teams to deter terrorism activity within CTZ-4. These proactive teams will conduct random checks of high profile areas and educate the public so they can be more vigilant in recognizing and reporting suspicious activity. 

The December 14th deployment will focus on increasing the security of the shopping public during the holiday season by increasing their awareness of potential terrorist activity.

It's rather unusual for local and state police officers to work together on programs like this one. Here's a February 2010 article for Police Chief Magazine, in which CTZ-4 leaders sing the praises of inter-agency cooperation:

Counterterrorism Zone 4 is an example of how local, county, and state law enforcement can come together to actively address terrorism with no additional personnel or funding. While a location within CTZ-4 might not be a prime target for terrorism in the future, terrorists could and have started an attack on New York City from within CTZ-4. Law enforcement in CTZ-4 is committed to uncovering any such group and to securing the communities within its area. CTZ-4 has been able to take the steps it has in addressing terrorism only because of the unselfish commitment of law enforcement leaders, school officials, and private sector companies involved.

In Sullivan County, the officers will be conducting commercial vehicle checks and visiting stores along Route 42 in the town of Thompson, from 10am to 4pm.

For further information, the press release states, contact the Counter Terrorism Zone Chairs:
 
Capt. Martin Hansen, NYSP Middletown, 845-344-5300

Sheriff Mike Schiff, Sullivan County Sheriff, 845-794-7100

Chief Todd Hazard, T/Cornwall PD, 845-534-8268

The public is reminded that if they see anything suspicious to report it to the Terrorism Hot Line:

866-SAFENYS (24 Hours)

866 723-3697 (24 Hours)

 

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