Reporting Facebook Posts to the FBI- Why You Should!

Heather Coffman of Virginia was pushing ISIS propaganda via multiple Facebook accounts. The FBI obtained a warrant to search her account after reports of pro-ISIS comments on the social media platform. This information led the FBI to numerous falsified Facebook accounts supporting her ISIS views- which included marketing the terrorist group to her sister.

After meeting with FBI agents and an informant, Coffman was arrested earlier this week and is scheduled to appear in court this up and coming Monday. CNN’s reporter offers the play-by-play of the Coffman case (thus far) online. You can read it here: http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/17/justice/virginia-woman-isis-recruitment/

So, why am I covering this? Well, people like Coffman are the reason I wrote my Homeland Security book. It is hard enough for this country to fight and deal with international terrorism, but now- we are seeing men and women use social media to become domestic terrorists. After reading the CNN article, I’m not so sure that Ms. Coffman was directly related to ISIS or simply wanted to promote the group for shock value- maybe a little of both. Either way, her actions are deplorable!

This brings me to my next point – report controversial statements to Facebook or the FBI if you see them. The “see something, say something” rule banks on tips to help get people like Coffman- regardless of motive- away from inciting terrorist activity! We all spend so much time online sharing our opinions that we may fail to realize when someone is serious with their potentially harmful comments and posts. It is better to report something and be wrong then to not report it and be right.

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

What to do during a national crisis.

I've been discussing emergency management for citizens on this blog over the past two weeks. Today, however, I want to talk about national crisis and terrorist activity. Do you know how to handle yourself and what information to rely upon?

There are 7 key services you need to be in contact with to know exactly what you can and can't do while the country is processing a crisis or disaster. Does this mean you call each one up? No, but you should follow these resources on social media and have your local office numbers written down (not just in your phone) in case of a true emergency. Typically, these agencies will reach out to citizens on the news, but if you don't know something or have to report an incident- you can call them during a disaster.

Mayor
The mayor is responsible at the administrative level for the smooth running of the response effort.

Fire service
The fire service is the linchpin in disaster response. The fire chief is charged with the operational management of the response effort. Everything that occurs in the disaster area falls under his/her authority.

Regional accident and disaster medical teams
Anyone injured in a disaster will require medical assistance as soon as possible.

Police
The police will ensure that the fire and ambulance services can do their job. They will cordon off the disaster area, manage the traffic, and sometimes set up a safety zone around the disaster area.

Army
The Ministry of Defence can deploy military personnel to respond to a disaster.

Municipal services
Behind the scenes, several municipal services play an important role in disaster response, especially when it comes to the after-effects.

Other services
Which services take part in the response effort will depend on the type of disaster. In the case of flooding caused by burst dykes or heavy rainfall, the water authorities will play a role. If a disaster occurs off the coast, the Coastguard will be involved. But other services will also often take part. The Red Cross cares for the injured in disasters.

Until tomorrow,
Twyla N. Garrett

Sochi : The Mess Before the Olympics

I’m posting a photo below borrowed from NewsWeek’s recent blog post (today, actually) about Sochi, Russia. The photo of the brown water the reporter had come out of the hotel’s tap is below. The full story I read is here: http://www.newsweek.com/race-finish-will-sochi-be-ready-227977

Here’s my issue with Sochi- and no, it has nothing to do with brown water, although that is pretty disgusting! Shaun White has already pulled out of the Olympics due to security concerns. Over 57% of Americans, according to a CNN poll, believe a terrorist attack will happen. And, despite the hotels’ diminished accommodations at human standard levels (water, really?) and the obvious security issues that have the hands of our FBI and CIA officials tied, we are still- as a country- excited to participate.

I love the Olympics as much as anyone else. However, there has to come appoint in time when we really look at how security is (or in this case, ins’t) being handled by our Russian counterparts for the games. Simple accommodations like shower or bath water aren’t available and we have professional athletes who are so concerned they are now boycotting the games. These reasons aren’t good for the morale of the games or the mindset of our concerned citizens.

I will be writing a blog during the Olympics with a more in-depth view point on what was done to establish security in somewhat volatile conditions and what we, as a country, could have done better when it comes to overall accommodations, communications and anything else related to this topic.

I have full faith in the DHS, CIA and FBI. Please don’t get me wrong on this point. It is how our needs are being met by the hosting country that has myself, Olympians, security officials and the media already present in Sochi concerned.

Until next time,

Twyla N. Garrett