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Acts of Terrorism in Delaware
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Acts of Terrorism

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Delaware Anti-Terrorism Tip Line (link opens in new tab):
1-800-FORCE-1-2 (1-800-367-2312)

Photo of people evacuating a building under terrorist attack

The threats facing our nation are ever changing. Our greatest defense against emerging threats is effective communication between Americans and law enforcement agencies. Local residents know their communities better than any government organization ever will. Ordinary residents and visitors are positioned to observe and report suspicious behaviors that may be attributed to national security threats. Every person plays a vital role in keeping our nation safe against terror attacks, and other mass casualty incidents like active shooter events, by remaining vigilant to suspicious behaviors.

Many concerning behaviors observed by residents or visitors may be constitutionally protected acts. Therefore, it is essential to report suspicious behaviors with a potential for mass violence and not report individuals based on demographics. When in doubt, report suspicious behaviors to Delaware’s Anti-Terrorism Tip Line at 1-800-FORCE-12 (1-800-367-2312) or via email to force12@delaware.gov. Received tips will be reviewed by Delaware’s Homeland Security based fusion center, the Delaware Information and Analysis Center (DIAC) (link opens in new tab). The DIAC will review all tips and forward those with reasonable suspicion to the FBI-Joint Terrorism Task Force and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for follow-up investigation. All emergencies and any in-progress events should always be reported immediately to the local 911 center.

Groups seeking Violent Intruder Preparedness and Response (VIPR) training may contact the DIAC via email at dsp.diac@delaware.gov to request a training session. VIPR training provides instruction on responsible suspicious activity reporting, pre-incident indicators and preparedness, and response to active shooter events.  Preparing today may save lives tomorrow, should a catastrophic incident occur in a Delaware community. Preparedness is the key factor to increase situational awareness and survivability. Remember to be vigilant and do your part to keep America safe.

  • Explosion
    • Leave the premises as quickly and calmly as possible.
    • If items are falling from above, seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Exit as soon as possible.
    • If you are trapped in debris, cover your mouth with a piece of cloth and tap on a pipe or wall so that rescuers can hear where you are.
    • Shout only as a last resort. Shouting can result in inhalation of dangerous amounts of dust.
    • Assisting victims – untrained persons should not attempt to rescue people in a collapsed building. Wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

  • Fire
    • Stay low to the floor and exit as quickly as possible.
    • Stay below the smoke at all times.
    • Cover nose and mouth with a wet cloth.
    • If door is hot, do not open it. Seek an alternate escape route.

  • Bio-Chemical Agent
    • Authorities will instruct you to either seek shelter and seal the premises or evacuate immediately.
    • Turn off air conditioning or heating system immediately.

  • Mail Handling
    • Leave suspicious letters or packages alone.
    • Do not touch or move the item(s), but cover if possible.
    • Leave the vicinity immediately.
    • Instruct all who open or have contact with suspicious items to wash hands with soap and water.
    • Contact local law enforcement agency via 9-1-1.
    • Immediately collect contact information of all who may have been exposed.

  • During an Event
    • Immediately follow instructions provided by police, fire, and other officials.
    • Be aware of conspicuous or unusual behavior. Do not accept packages from strangers.
    • Promptly report unusual behavior, suspicious or unattended packages, and strange devices to the police or security personnel.
    • Learn where emergency exits are located in buildings you frequent. Plan how to get out in the event of an emergency.
    • Avoid spreading rumors. Direct those with questions to credible news and public safety official sources.

  • Reporting a Tip

    In order to provide the most useful information to law enforcement, you are urged to make the following observations when reporting a tip:

    • Who did you observe?
    • What did you see? (Be as specific as possible)
    • Where did you see it?
    • When did you see it?
    • Why is it suspicious?
    • If the person is driving a vehicle, provide the vehicle’s license plate, year, make, size, and color.

  • Additional Resources