CAIR MOSQUE SECURITY GUIDELINES

Areas of Vulnerability:

* Mosques located in isolated areas.
* Mosques left unattended for extended periods of time.
* Mosques with unsecured doors and/or windows.
* Absence of a burglar alarm system.
* Heavy exterior vegetation (shrubs, etc.) in which criminals may hide.
* Absence of exterior lighting.

Take the following safety measures:

* Build good relationships with neighbors of the mosque. Invite them to
visit your center.
* Try to have people attend the mosque as much as possible. Activity deters
perpetrators.
* Make an appointment with the community relations officer of your local
police department to tour your center and make suggestions on improving
mosque security.
* Request additional police patrols in the vicinity of your center. Special
attention should be paid to times of darkness and during prayers.
* Consider creating a security committee at your mosque.
* Post mosque members at entrances and parking areas during prayer times.
* Report suspicious packages to police. Do not touch them.
* Install perimeter floodlights outside the mosque.
* Install fire and burglar alarm systems.
* Replace hollow core doors with more secure solid doors.
* Install burglarproof bars on screens and large vents. (Note - Research
local ordinances before beginning security renovations. For example, window
bars should not limit evacuation in case of fire.)
* Trim shrubs and vines to reduce areas of concealment.
* Participate in neighborhood watch programs.
* Document descriptions of suspicious people or vehicles.
* Make duplicates of all important papers, computer disks and records.
* Remove potential fire hazards, such as trash and debris.
* Consider installing security cameras.

RESPONDING TO BOMB THREATS

1. Distribute written instructions on handling bomb threats.
2. Keep the caller on the line as long as possible. Ask that the message be
repeated. Record or write down everything that is said.
3. Ask for the location of the bomb.
4. Inform the caller that the detonation of a bomb could hurt many innocent
people.
5. Pay attention to background noises such as music, which may give a clue
to the caller's location.
6. Listen closely to the caller's voice. Make note of accents, voice
quality (calm, excited) or speech impediments.
7. Report the threat immediately to the local police, ATF and FBI. Have
appropriate phone numbers listed in written instructions.
8. If the threat comes in the form of a letter, save all materials,
including the envelope. Handle the letter as little as possible.
9. Search the interior and exterior of the mosque. Evacuate the building if
a suspicious package or device is found.

Cautionary Notes

A. Do not approach or challenge a suspicious person or vehicle.
B. Do not pursue vehicles or suspects.
C. Observe and report. You have no police powers.
D. Conduct watch patrols in pairs.
E. Conduct watches in a random fashion.

BOMB THREAT CHECK LIST (Keep near phone in case of threatening calls.)

Time of call:
Date:
Exact words of caller:
Person receiving call:
Call Reported to:

Questions to Ask

When is the bomb going to explode?
Where is the bomb?
What kind of bomb is it?
What will cause it to explode?
Why did you place the bomb?
What is your name?

Caller's Voice

adult        male            female        child
calm        disguised        nasal        angry        stutter
slow        sincere            lisp        rapid        giggling
deep        crying            loud        squeaky    excited
stressed    accent            slurred        normal

What were the background noises, if any?


SUSPECT LETTERS AND PACKAGES

* What to look for:
* Name and title of addressee are not accurate.
* No return address, or the sender is not known to the addressee.
* Handwriting is distorted.
* Unprofessionally wrapped, uneven, bulky, lopsided.
* Contains bulges or soft spots.
* Poorly wrapped package is marked "Fragile-Handle With Care," "Rush," or
has unusual restrictions such as "Personal" or "Private."
* Excess amount of postage.
* Protruding wires or tin foil.
* Package makes a buzzing or ticking noise, a sloshing sound, or emits an
odor.

What to do:

DON'T open the package or letter.
DON'T put it in water or in a confined space such as a drawer.
DO isolate the article and secure the immediate area.
DO open windows if possible to help vent potential explosive gases.
DO contact your local police department and Postal Inspector.

Suspect Description

Sex:
Race:
Age:
Height:
Weight:
Hair:
Glasses:
Complexion:
Scars/Marks/Tattoos:
Hat:
Clothing:
Shoes:
Auto type:
Auto color:
Auto license:
Direction of travel:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IF CONTACTED BY THE FBI

American Muslims support strong law enforcement. We also treasure civil
rights. Your right to be politically active or to hold different
beliefs/views is protected by the Constitution. If you are visited by the
FBI, remember:

1. Never lie or provide false information to the FBI.  Lying to an FBI
agent is a crime.
2. You have no obligation to talk to the FBI, even if you are not a
citizen. Refusing to answer questions cannot be held against you. It does
not imply that you have something to hide.
3. You do not have to permit them to enter your home. FBI agents must
possess a search warrant in order to enter your home. If they say they have
a warrant, demand to see it before allowing them to enter. Even if they
have a warrant, you are under no obligation to answer questions. ALWAYS
have an attorney present when answering questions.
4. Contact CAIR and an attorney for advice.

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