Would You Recognize a Terrorist? Here are Tips

Ohio Homeland Security is asking the public to stay aware of suspicious people and actions to help detect and prevent terrorist activity.

The agency's request: "If You See Something, Say Something." Call Ohio Homeland Security at 1-877-OHS-INTEL or -- for emergencies -- call 911.

Reports from residents "play a vital role in countering terrorism and crime," a news release from Ohio Homeland Security said.

Some examples of unusual activities that should cause a heightened sense of suspicion:

• Monitoring personnel or vehicles entering/leaving facilities or parking area

• Burns on body, missing finger(s) or hand, bloody clothing, bleached body hair or bright colored stains on clothing; switch or wires concealed in hand, clothing or backpack

• Unusual or prolonged interest in the following: security measures or personnel; security cameras; entry points and access controls; perimeter barriers (fences/walls); unattended train or bus

• Purposely placing objects (e.g., packages, luggage, vehicles) in sensitive or vulnerable areas to observe security responses

• Individuals or actions which are out of place for their surroundings (e.g., over or underdressed for the weather)

• Unusual, vague, or cryptic threats, warnings, or comments about harming others

Some of these activities, taken individually, could be innocent and must be examined by law enforcement professionals in a larger context to determine where there is a basis to investigate.

The activities outlined above are by no means all-inclusive but have been compiled from a review of terrorist events over several years.