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NYPD ALERTS COPS TO 'TERROR INDICATORS'

By Tom Hays
The Associated Press
5/17/04 7:33 PM

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NYPD has ordered its patrol force to be more vigilant about spotting and reporting possible signs of terrorism, including individuals who "express hatred for America."

Guidelines titled "Possible Indicators of Terrorist Activity" were issued last week on cards designed to fit in police officers' memo books. The cards advise them to contact counterterrorism investigators when they have suspicions over anyone who is, among other things, carrying driver's licenses from different states, videotaping utilities and tunnels or wearing fake uniforms.

Members of the nation's largest police department also have been instructed to take note of "overtly hostile" people who "express hatred for America and advocate violence against America and/or Americans," or who "support terrorists and their goals."

The guidelines stress that the indicators are "general," and may "not necessarily mean that terrorist activity is being planned." They also caution officers not to interfere with free speech, or target anyone based on race or religion.

Still, the directive may be so broad that it invites civil rights abuses, said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

"We're troubled that hostile statements would create suspicion of terrorism," Lieberman said on Monday. "Criticism of our country is supposed to be protected by the First Amendment."

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said the guidelines were "not intended in any way to interfere with lawful protest." The cards were an attempt to put terror prevention tips "literally into the back pocket of every police officer," he said.

The cards warn officers to be on the lookout for people who approach a government building or other potential target on foot and abruptly turn away after spotting security officers; who possess notebooks filled with telephone numbers, but no names; and who videotape or photograph "any activity beyond what an ordinary tourist would do."

Inside a home, suspicious signs could include little or no furniture besides a mattress, the presence of radio scanners or night-vision equipment, and airline receipts showing the booking of flights with unnecessary layovers.

http://www.nj.com/breakingnews/index.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?j0193_BC_NY--NYPD-TerrorIndica&&news&tradecentercrash