
MONTAUK COLUMNS Montauk Risk Management 911 Global Terrorism, Disasters & Risk Management Post 911 by Yvette Aguiar In today’s world, a terrorist’s driving force is idealism driven by hate, hatred for foreign oppression and the desire to cause profound psychological fear. Societal fear of terrorism is based on the anger, confusion, paranoia and psychological effects that these acts of criminal violence impale in our society. These fears are heightened by the threaten use of weapons of mass destruction. In the wake of September 11, 2001, a global war has emerged as a forefront of political, ideological and religious fanatical extremist agendas. Terrorism is the preferred method of “war” in the twenty-first century. This evolving tactic has been used by national, religious movement groups and individuals whose ideologies are directed towards governments. It is a weapon used as an instrument against combatants and non-combatants in their homeland or other frontiers where political change or oppression is forced. Terrorism is political, legal as well as a military issue. It takes on many forms, with a spectrum of causes ranging from left to right, different ideologies, religious indoctrination, state sponsored and extremists radical factions groups. Terrorists argue that the nobility of the cause may justify and/or lessen the impact of a terrorist act. Regardless of the so called determining factors these atrocities under the premise of self-determination is inexcusable. Boaz Ganor of the Israeli Counter Terrorism Center defines terrorists as murderers, “the idea of one person’s ‘terrorist’ is another’s ‘freedom fighter’ cannot be sanctioned; Freedom Fighters or revolutionaries don’t blow up buses containing non-combatants; terrorist murderers do.” During the 10 years of conflict between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, Islamic extremists fought the Communist takeover. So called “freedom fighters” flocked to Afghanistan in an effort to resist the Soviet invasion creating the way for a National Resistant movement. One influential group was the Mujahedeen warriors and other fundamentalists who fought in support of a holy war. Usama bin Laden was instrumental in funding and supporting the Mujahadeen freedom fighters. The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan raised him as an iconic figure among the Mujahadeen freedom fighters. Bin Laden’s new found fame and his alliance with the Al Qaeda enabled him to conduct well constructed strikes against the US and abroad. The instability in the Middle East has given way to the creation of various fractionalized terrorist groups, some who are loosely aligned with each other. The Palestinian and Israeli conflict appears to be strengthening with no hope for a peaceful resolution. The US presence and in some instances support of Israel, military involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia appears to have created anti-American sentiments among Islamic extremist fundamentalists. In their defense of their religion, they have attacked the US in our land, at US instillations outside of the US and in our allied countries. The possibility and use of Weapons of Mass (WMD) has become an increasing threat. The unaccounted “dirty Bomb” weapons in the creation of the post Soviet States are believed to be in the hands of these terrorists. It is apparent that violent fundamentalists are the key players in Middle Eastern terrorist activities, which has evolved into a transnational crisis. Complicating the crisis is a terrorist web operating in South America. Often referred to as the Middle Eastern tri-angle of South America, three countries boarder each other, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. A prominent location where Middle Eastern and South Asian extremist immigrants have recently populated and settled. It is a common ground for the operation, training and fundraising of terror activities. The crime, murder and missing people rate is astonishingly high. With a mere population of 240,000, there are over fifty-five different banks and foreign exchange companies. It is estimated that over $6 billion dollars a year are illegally laundered and funneled to support terrorist operations. The events of 911 served as an inspiration worldwide. As evidenced in the recent foiled attacks, where loosely aligned self avowed amateur extremists plotted to attack US Army soldiers at a military base in Ft. Dix, New Jersey. They trained with AK-47 machine guns at a state game preserve shooting range in the Pocono Mountains. FBI informants had infiltrated the operation. While their activities were closely monitored by the FBI, they were faced with a strategic question. The plot was in the final stages of planning and the weapons were being purchased. The FBI decided to intervene for fear that the attack was inevitably close to being carried out. Six out of ten were arrested, four remain at large. Many of them have visited the New York City area. Terrorists have demonstrated the capacity to strike anywhere in the world. It is well accepted in the intelligence community that terrorist organizations regardless of organizational strength are capable of creating the foundation and dynamics to succeed. Not only is long-term terror of concern, but domestically we have witnessed a growth in homegrown terror groups. These types of fundamentalists’ possess a strong belief in the after life and have adopted profound diabolical methods of attack. Worldwide efforts need to be developed in an effort to root out this global crisis. Aggressive collaborative foreign intervention, dismantling and the destruction of terrorist supports also could prove fruitful in the war against terrorism. The expansion of worldwide intelligence gathering and information sharing between intelligence organizations could assist in the identification, targeting and deterrence of this growing global crisis. The creation of collaborative foreign terrorist intervention, cooperation and conviction between foreign governments could very well serve as a deterrence. Aggressive transnational anti-terrorist laws could possibly prove viable in addressing this global crisis. Conversely, and well long over due is our country’s attempt to protect our homeland from terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Post 911, in Long Island, business continuity is of great concern. There is a strong and evolving disaster contingency consciousness holding strong ground. The events of 911 have given rise to the field of risk management and homeland security. In response, private and public entities have initiated actions in hopes of securing their assets. Not an easy task by any means. They are relying more on risk management methodology techniques. While the field of risk management is not a new concept, what is new, is the awareness to provide security and secure their assets regardless of the type of disaster they may face. While not a science, risk management is an art where expert practitioners are able to provide expert security guidance to a given entity. As the demands of risk management increases, we are also seeing a great deal of companies, software tools and risk management assessment enterprises surface. Many offering their expertise, services while attempting to maintain a general methodology. Generally, risk management is a collection of best practices, principles, and models providing a comprehensive process or system approach for guidance to achieving a mission-critical security system providing reliability, availability, supportability, manageability solutions built on tactics, strategies and technologies. These surveys provide practical approaches for analyzing, identifying, and eliminating unacceptable risk situations in real time threat reduction, developing risk strategies, and monitoring countermeasure strategies. Current public and private entities dedicated to the preparedness of disaster planning and training in Long Island are: In the Suffolk Police Department, Deputy Police Inspector, Stuart Cameron is the Commanding Officer of the Suffolk County Police Special Patrol Bureau. He also Commands the Department’s Crisis Action Team and is an active instructor on numerous topics including homeland security. According to Inspector Cameron, 9/11 had a dramatic impact upon all law enforcement agencies including the Suffolk County Police, which immediately began assessing the impact of the event and their ability to protect the citizens of Suffolk County. “We had trained on how to respond to a terrorist attack prior to 9/11, but afterwards we redoubled our efforts and evaluated everything that we were doing”, Cameron said. “We have also focused a great deal of our efforts on preventing a terrorist attack, much like we have done historically with conventional criminal activity.” The Suffolk County Police Department has trained thousands of their officers in preventive and response methods including suicide bombers. Their training has also been provided to other regional first responders including federal, state & local law enforcement officers, including fire fighters. They truly believe in the regional approach to homeland security. The Department has also developed and implemented a preventive radiation detection program, designed to prevent an attack and locating nuclear weapons. On the response end, a cadre of police officers that are trained at the intermediate response level has been created. The Crisis Action Team includes patrol officers from the department’s seven precincts, Marine and Highway Patrol Bureaus who have received enhanced training in riot control, and counter terrorism related topics. Various mobilization strategies have also been created, including one wherein officers from almost every law enforcement agency in the County would come together to form a unified response force. The Suffolk County Police continually evaluates all events that occur worldwide in an effort gauge their impact locally and to develop potential countermeasures. Their plans are always considered works in progress and they are constantly striving to improve their ability to keep the Suffolk County region safe. Long Island Emergency (LIE), hosted the first ever business contingency seminar in September at Gurney’s Resort in Montauk. President, S. Lemme will be hosting future seminars. Visit them at www.longislandemergency.com The Continuity Planning Exchange (CPE), established in 1985, is a professional association dedicated to providing an open exchange of information related to Business Continuity and Crisis and Emergency Management. The CPE is based in NYC with Chapters on Long Island and Washington, DC. The LI chapter was founded in 2004, they provide their members with innovative strategies, tools, and forums to advance the practice of Crisis Management. Gregory R. Tellone, Founder and President of GTel Networks and COO of Continuity Centers of Woodbury, whose business’ focus on providing Business Continuity, Hot Site Workgroup Recovery services, was named Chair of the CPE-LI Board in January 2007. Mr. Tellone now works in concert with the CPE-LI, DC and NYC Boards to increase awareness on Long Island by building upon the strong CPE membership and bringing enhanced value to CPE members. This is accomplished by hosting industry-leading seminars and special events that facilitate information sharing across diverse industries and between the public and private sectors. To find out details about the June 22nd event titled “State of Emergency: Effects of a Healthcare Crisis on Long Island Businesses and what you can do to prepare”, visit them at www.cpeworld.org or contact Gregory Tellone at 516-942-7900, www.ContinuityCenters.com New York Institute of Technology at the Westbury, LI campus where Edward Maggio, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Dr. of SEER Center Department of Behavior Sciences directs a crisis management Master Degree. The Center focuses on numerous domestic and international issues that pertain to defense, security, espionage, disaster response and crisis situations. Generally, they focus on bringing together faculty, students, and outside professionals from criminal justice/private security, information/data protection, emergency/public health issues, that involve the use of engineering/technological applications. They offer certifications in a number of specialized areas. Anyone interested in their certification courses can contact, Edward Maggio at www.emaggio@nyit.edu or visit their website at: http://iris.nyit/edu/hpbls/seercenter/ Long Island University Management Institute’s Master of Science in Homeland Security is the states’ first fully online graduate degree. The university offers two academically rigorous certificate programs available to professionals working in law enforcement, emergency managers, the military, fire fighting or HazMat operations, corporate or private sectors, the intelligence community or those who aspire to pursue homeland security management careers. Visit them at www.southampton.liu.edu Trade-Winds, a business, response, remediation and restoration company has opened an office in Southampton. Their new and expanded headquarters are located in Holtsville, LI, Visit them at www.twenv.com Yvette Aguiar, is a retired NYPD Counterterrorism Sgt. She conducts terrorism training, risk management and security lectures at private, public and media forums. She is a PHD candidate specializing in the homeland security field. nyterrorismwatch@aol.com
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MONTAUK COLUMNS

Montauk Risk Management 911
Global Terrorism, Disasters & Risk Management Post 911
by Yvette Aguiar

In today’s world, a terrorist’s driving force is idealism driven by hate, hatred for foreign oppression and the desire to cause profound psychological fear. Societal fear of terrorism is based on the anger, confusion, paranoia and psychological effects that these acts of criminal violence impale in our society. These fears are heightened by the threaten use of weapons of mass destruction. In the wake of September 11, 2001, a global war has emerged as a forefront of political, ideological and religious fanatical extremist agendas. Terrorism is the preferred method of “war” in the twenty-first century. This evolving tactic has been used by national, religious movement groups and individuals whose ideologies are directed towards governments. It is a weapon used as an instrument against combatants and non-combatants in their homeland or other frontiers where political change or oppression is forced. Terrorism is political, legal as well as a military issue. It takes on many forms, with a spectrum of causes ranging from left to right, different ideologies, religious indoctrination, state sponsored and extremists radical factions groups. Terrorists argue that the nobility of the cause may justify and/or lessen the impact of a terrorist act. Regardless of the so called determining factors these atrocities under the premise of self-determination is inexcusable. Boaz Ganor of the Israeli Counter Terrorism Center defines terrorists as murderers, “the idea of one person’s ‘terrorist’ is another’s ‘freedom fighter’ cannot be sanctioned; Freedom Fighters or revolutionaries don’t blow up buses containing non-combatants; terrorist murderers do.”

During the 10 years of conflict between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union, Islamic extremists fought the Communist takeover. So called “freedom fighters” flocked to Afghanistan in an effort to resist the Soviet invasion creating the way for a National Resistant movement. One influential group was the Mujahedeen warriors and other fundamentalists who fought in support of a holy war. Usama bin Laden was instrumental in funding and supporting the Mujahadeen freedom fighters. The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan raised him as an iconic figure among the Mujahadeen freedom fighters. Bin Laden’s new found fame and his alliance with the Al Qaeda enabled him to conduct well constructed strikes against the US and abroad. The instability in the Middle East has given way to the creation of various fractionalized terrorist groups, some who are loosely aligned with each other. The Palestinian and Israeli conflict appears to be strengthening with no hope for a peaceful resolution. The US presence and in some instances support of Israel, military involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia appears to have created anti-American sentiments among Islamic extremist fundamentalists. In their defense of their religion, they have attacked the US in our land, at US instillations outside of the US and in our allied countries. The possibility and use of Weapons of Mass (WMD) has become an increasing threat. The unaccounted “dirty Bomb” weapons in the creation of the post Soviet States are believed to be in the hands of these terrorists. It is apparent that violent fundamentalists are the key players in Middle Eastern terrorist activities, which has evolved into a transnational crisis.

Complicating the crisis is a terrorist web operating in South America. Often referred to as the Middle Eastern tri-angle of South America, three countries boarder each other, Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. A prominent location where Middle Eastern and South Asian extremist immigrants have recently populated and settled. It is a common ground for the operation, training and fundraising of terror activities. The crime, murder and missing people rate is astonishingly high. With a mere population of 240,000, there are over fifty-five different banks and foreign exchange companies. It is estimated that over $6 billion dollars a year are illegally laundered and funneled to support terrorist operations.
The events of 911 served as an inspiration worldwide. As evidenced in the recent foiled attacks, where loosely aligned self avowed amateur extremists plotted to attack US Army soldiers at a military base in Ft. Dix, New Jersey. They trained with AK-47 machine guns at a state game preserve shooting range in the Pocono Mountains. FBI informants had infiltrated the operation. While their activities were closely monitored by the FBI, they were faced with a strategic question. The plot was in the final stages of planning and the weapons were being purchased. The FBI decided to intervene for fear that the attack was inevitably close to being carried out. Six out of ten were arrested, four remain at large. Many of them have visited the New York City area. Terrorists have demonstrated the capacity to strike anywhere in the world. It is well accepted in the intelligence community that terrorist organizations regardless of organizational strength are capable of creating the foundation and dynamics to succeed. Not only is long-term terror of concern, but domestically we have witnessed a growth in homegrown terror groups. These types of fundamentalists’ possess a strong belief in the after life and have adopted profound diabolical methods of attack.
Worldwide efforts need to be developed in an effort to root out this global crisis. Aggressive collaborative foreign intervention, dismantling and the destruction of terrorist supports also could prove fruitful in the war against terrorism. The expansion of worldwide intelligence gathering and information sharing between intelligence organizations could assist in the identification, targeting and deterrence of this growing global crisis. The creation of collaborative foreign terrorist intervention, cooperation and conviction between foreign governments could very well serve as a deterrence. Aggressive transnational anti-terrorist laws could possibly prove viable in addressing this global crisis.
Conversely, and well long over due is our country’s attempt to protect our homeland from terrorist attacks and natural disasters. Post 911, in Long Island, business continuity is of great concern. There is a strong and evolving disaster contingency consciousness holding strong ground. The events of 911 have given rise to the field of risk management and homeland security. In response, private and public entities have initiated actions in hopes of securing their assets. Not an easy task by any means. They are relying more on risk management methodology techniques. While the field of risk management is not a new concept, what is new, is the awareness to provide security and secure their assets regardless of the type of disaster they may face. While not a science, risk management is an art where expert practitioners are able to provide expert security guidance to a given entity. As the demands of risk management increases, we are also seeing a great deal of companies, software tools and risk management assessment enterprises surface. Many offering their expertise, services while attempting to maintain a general methodology. Generally, risk management is a collection of best practices, principles, and models providing a comprehensive process or system approach for guidance to achieving a mission-critical security system providing reliability, availability, supportability, manageability solutions built on tactics, strategies and technologies. These surveys provide practical approaches for analyzing, identifying, and eliminating unacceptable risk situations in real time threat reduction, developing risk strategies, and monitoring countermeasure strategies. Current public and private entities dedicated to the preparedness of disaster planning and training in Long Island are:

In the Suffolk Police Department, Deputy Police Inspector, Stuart Cameron is the Commanding Officer of the Suffolk County Police Special Patrol Bureau. He also Commands the Department’s Crisis Action Team and is an active instructor on numerous topics including homeland security. According to Inspector Cameron, 9/11 had a dramatic impact upon all law enforcement agencies including the Suffolk County Police, which immediately began assessing the impact of the event and their ability to protect the citizens of Suffolk County. “We had trained on how to respond to a terrorist attack prior to 9/11, but afterwards we redoubled our efforts and evaluated everything that we were doing”, Cameron said. “We have also focused a great deal of our efforts on preventing a terrorist attack, much like we have done historically with conventional criminal activity.”

The Suffolk County Police Department has trained thousands of their officers in preventive and response methods including suicide bombers. Their training has also been provided to other regional first responders including federal, state & local law enforcement officers, including fire fighters. They truly believe in the regional approach to homeland security. The Department has also developed and implemented a preventive radiation detection program, designed to prevent an attack and locating nuclear weapons.

On the response end, a cadre of police officers that are trained at the intermediate response level has been created. The Crisis Action Team includes patrol officers from the department’s seven precincts, Marine and Highway Patrol Bureaus who have received enhanced training in riot control, and counter terrorism related topics. Various mobilization strategies have also been created, including one wherein officers from almost every law enforcement agency in the County would come together to form a unified response force. The Suffolk County Police continually evaluates all events that occur worldwide in an effort gauge their impact locally and to develop potential countermeasures. Their plans are always considered works in progress and they are constantly striving to improve their ability to keep the Suffolk County region safe.

Long Island Emergency (LIE), hosted the first ever business contingency seminar in September at Gurney’s Resort in Montauk. President, S. Lemme will be hosting future seminars. Visit them at www.longislandemergency.com
The Continuity Planning Exchange (CPE), established in 1985, is a professional association dedicated to providing an open exchange of information related to Business Continuity and Crisis and Emergency Management. The CPE is based in NYC with Chapters on Long Island and Washington, DC. The LI chapter was founded in 2004, they provide their members with innovative strategies, tools, and forums to advance the practice of Crisis Management. Gregory R. Tellone, Founder and President of GTel Networks and COO of Continuity Centers of Woodbury, whose business’ focus on providing Business Continuity, Hot Site Workgroup Recovery services, was named Chair of the CPE-LI Board in January 2007. Mr. Tellone now works in concert with the CPE-LI, DC and NYC Boards to increase awareness on Long Island by building upon the strong CPE membership and bringing enhanced value to CPE members. This is accomplished by hosting industry-leading seminars and special events that facilitate information sharing across diverse industries and between the public and private sectors. To find out details about the June 22nd event titled “State of Emergency: Effects of a Healthcare Crisis on Long Island Businesses and what you can do to prepare”, visit them at www.cpeworld.org or contact Gregory Tellone at 516-942-7900, www.ContinuityCenters.com
New York Institute of Technology at the Westbury, LI campus where Edward Maggio, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Dr. of SEER Center Department of Behavior Sciences directs a crisis management Master Degree. The Center focuses on numerous domestic and international issues that pertain to defense, security, espionage, disaster response and crisis situations. Generally, they focus on bringing together faculty, students, and outside professionals from criminal justice/private security, information/data protection, emergency/public health issues, that involve the use of engineering/technological applications. They offer certifications in a number of specialized areas. Anyone interested in their certification courses can contact, Edward Maggio at www.emaggio@nyit.edu or visit their website at: http://iris.nyit/edu/hpbls/seercenter/

Long Island University Management Institute’s Master of Science in Homeland Security is the states’ first fully online graduate degree. The university offers two academically rigorous certificate programs available to professionals working in law enforcement, emergency managers, the military, fire fighting or HazMat operations, corporate or private sectors, the intelligence community or those who aspire to pursue homeland security management careers. Visit them at www.southampton.liu.edu

Trade-Winds, a business, response, remediation and restoration company has opened an office in Southampton. Their new and expanded headquarters are located in Holtsville, LI, Visit them at www.twenv.com

Yvette Aguiar, is a retired NYPD Counterterrorism Sgt. She conducts terrorism training, risk management and security lectures at private, public and media forums. She is a PHD candidate specializing in the homeland security field. nyterrorismwatch@aol.com

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MONTAUK COLUMNS

Montauk Risk Management 911 Global Terrorism, Disasters & Risk Management Post 911 by Yvette Aguiar

Montauk Risk Management 911
Global Terrorism, Disasters & Risk Management Post 911
by Yvette Aguiar