UNLV Police, FBI host talk on terrorism

February 9, 2009 by Pashtana Usufzy 

Campus community members briefed on how to prevent terrorist attacks

An array of free food, DVDs and a raffle welcomed attendees to the first Rebel Roundtable of the spring semester dubbed “A Terrorism Overview.”

UNLV Police Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation co-hosted the event Wednesday to discuss the backgrounds of several nationwide terrorist organizations and how students and staff can aid in the prevention of terrorist attacks.

“The FBI has got an outreach program where we like to get out to the campus community and talk a little bit about some of the things that are of concern to us,” said Eugene Springer, a special agent for the FBI.

Roughly 20 students, professors and community members gathered at the event, which primarily focused on the actions of groups like the Animal Liberation Front, an animal rights association, and the National Alliance, a white supremacist organization.

“These groups engage in a variety of criminal activity ranging from harassment [to] intimidation,” Springer said.

The agent conveyed that the threats facing college campuses come largely from national special interest activists.

“A lot of colleges and universities that are involved in environmental or animal research will find themselves as the targets of domestic terrorist groups,” he said.

Audience members were shown images of tattoos that indicate affiliations with extremist organizations and photos of past attacks on college campuses and were asked to stay alert as to possible terrorist activities.

“Unfortunately there’s no checklist of characteristics of what to look for,” Springer said. “The best we can do is encourage everyone to use their common sense. Use your eyes and ears and trust your instincts.”

Springer also cautioned attendees against making generalizations or infringing upon each individual’s right to distinct beliefs.

“It’s important to note that we’re all free to adopt an ideology, but crossing the line into criminal and terrorist activity is what defines someone [as a terrorist],” he said.

Thomas Matarrese, who frequents the monthly Rebel Round Table discussions, said the event was an opportunity for him to learn more about the FBI and its local connection to terrorist groups.

“I think it was really amazing,” he said.

UNLV staff worker Joann Stevens agreed that the event was “very informative” and is glad the FBI is keeping the nation up to date on risks and possible threats to security.

“[It] gave us good information on what to do in case [an attack occurs],” she said.

The forum advertised tools available through police services that help fight criminal activity on campus such as the student security escort and the new emergency notification system.

“We want people to know about [the different programs],” Officer Laura Tramposch said, adding that she hoped the event made members of the community aware of the importance of public information to ensuring campus safety.

“The students and staff and faculty – they’re our eyes and ears,” she said.

Tramposch and Springer encouraged students to be aware of their surroundings and unafraid to contact law enforcement officials.

“Give us a call if something ‘JDLR’—just don’t look right,” Tramposch said. 

The Rebel Roundtable is held the first Wednesday of every month with the purpose of informing students on matters of crime prevention and personal safety.