The Alabama Homeland Security Office works with federal, state and local partners to prevent, protect and respond to acts of terrorism in the State of Alabama. Since the attacks of 9/11, our nation as we knew it changed forever. This office is committed to protecting the citizens of Alabama by supporting local first responders and private sector partners.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
A vigilant and aware public is paramount to the safety of Alabama. Alabama is a partner in the US Department of Homeland Security’s ‘If you see something, say something” campaign. This is a national campaign that raises public awareness and promotes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.
Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
- Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
- Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.
If you see something, say something!
Homeland Security Grants
Homeland Security Grant Program
The US Department of Homeland Security awards the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ALEA serves as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the HSGP. The purpose of the HSGP is to provide funds to eligible entities to support state, local, tribal, and territorial efforts to prevent terrorism and other catastrophic events and to prepare the nation for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risks to the security of the United States. The HSGP is comprised of three grant programs:
- State Homeland Security Program (SHSP)
- Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
- Operation Stonegarden (OPSG)
Alabama is only eligible to receive funding through SHSP and OPSG.
Local awards are made on a competitive basis to eligible applicants which include local first responders such as sheriff offices, police department, paid and volunteer fire departments, emergency management agencies, and rescue squads.
Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The US Department of Homeland Security awards the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). ALEA serves as the State Administrative Agency (SAA) for the NSGP. The NSGP seeks to integrate the preparedness activities of nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of a terrorist attack with broader state and local preparedness efforts.
Eligible nonprofit organizations must apply to their SAA for NSGP funds. Nonprofits may not apply to FEMA directly. The SAA, ALEA, is the only entity eligible to apply to FEMA on behalf of eligible nonprofit organizations. If interested, an entity should contact their SAA for information on how to apply.
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https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:061babd3-b0eb-4225-99e7-14e4f3946aaf
Eligible nonprofit organizations are those organizations that are:
- Described under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (IRC) and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such code; and
- Determined to be at high risk of a terrorist attack by the Secretary of Homeland Security due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
Please contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, Grants Administration at 334-517-2815 with any questions.
