Security Guidelines
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Security Guidelines

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Read these guidelines with one thing in mind: You are not alone. Other groups, whether anti-racist, anti-fascist, pro-choice, gay or lesbian, all face serious on-going threats. They are ready and willing to provide advice and help. Sometimes law enforcement agencies can give advice and may be willing to help you develop security measures.

Threatening Telephone Calls

  • Report the incident to a law enforcement agency and a local anti-racist group in your community with expertise in security issues.
  • Contact the telephone company. There is an automatic telephone feature that provides call tracing features against harassing telephone calls.

    Vandalism

  • Do no disturb the evidence, but take photographs.
  • Call the police and call a community organization for assistance.
  • Remove graffiti when evidence has been collected.
  • Obtain a copy of the preliminary crime or offense report.
  • Organize community meetings to discuss the causes of racism and how to protect public and private buildings.

    Hate Propaganda

  • Do not throw hate propaganda away. Carefully secure examples of the material.
  • Contact an appropriate community organization.
  • Report the matter to the local police and make the evidence available to them, if appropriate.

    Hate Mail

  • Avoid handling the material, if possible and do not photocopy until after law enforcement officials have examined the material.
  • Call an appropriate community organization.
  • In consultation with an appropriate community organization and/or the police, report the matter to the Post Office.

    Bomb Threats

  • Take all threats seriously and designate a person to coordinate a bomb threat response.
  • Make sure everyone is informed about bomb threat procedures (i.e., leaving the area to a place of safety) and that they comply.
  • Report the incident to a community organization and a law enforcement agency.
  • Call the appropriate community organization.

    Mail Bombs

  • Designate a person to take charge in case of an emergency.
  • Do NOT handle the suspected item.
  • Secure the area.
  • Contact a community organization and law enforcement agency.

    Security for Demonstrations

  • Designate and train security personnel.
  • Make sure that there enough security personnel to ensure safety before, during and after the event.
  • Make sure that you know who may pose a threat.
  • Secure areas where baggage may be left.
  • Take pictures of people attending the event.
  • Notify a law enforcement agency, if appropriate.

    Activists

  • Use a digital cellular telephone for all communication.
  • Re-route e-mail through an anonymous server.
  • Ensure that personal mail is sent to a post office box.
  • Ensure that your car registration does not list your home address.
  • Do not list your home address or telephone number.
  • Try to stay out of all data-bases.

     

    Security for Offices and Homes

  • Install an alarm system, but screen the alarm system company. Domestic terrorists have been known to run home and business security companies, or to work for them (as in the case of Bryan Taylor head of the KKK in the 1990s who worked for ADT Security, installing home security systems).
  • Install outside lighting in strategic locations around your office or home.
  • Entrance doors should be well lit and several interior lights should be left on, using timers for random lighting.
  • Avoid back-lighting.
  • Windows, skylights and areas of ventilation should be secured.
  • Use single cylinder locks and dead bolt locks that are pick resistant.
  • Become involved in the community Block Watch program and ask neighbours to inform you if they observe anyone observing you, your house/business.

    Security at Work

  • Employees should know the proper procedure for handling emergencies.
  • Know and post the local police force telephone number.
  • Keep descriptions of person(s) and car(s) observed lingering in or around the office building.
  • Develop a community response network.

    Summary

  • Develop a comprehensive plan to deal with security issues.
  • Ensure that individuals targeted by hate are supported.
  • Contact law enforcement agencies and develop a community watch program.
  • In extreme cases, victims may need help to temporarily re-locate.
  • Make sure that activists stay safe at work and at home.
  • Contact an organization that has a reputation for effectively dealing with hate groups.
  • You may want to contact a law enforcement agency and the Attorney General.
  • Ensure that the confidential information is secure.
  • Ensure that communication systems are secure.

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