EPI UPDATE

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In this issue:

1. Joint Statement of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Adviser Tom Ridge
2. Talking Points for State and Locals

Based on a review of intelligence and an assessment of threats by the intelligence community, as well as the passing of the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the disruption of potential terrorist operations in the United States and abroad, the Attorney General in consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made the decision to return the threat level to an elevated risk of terrorist attack, or "yellow" level.

Contributing to this decision were the recent arrests of six men in suburban Buffalo who are alleged to have provided material support to al Qaeda. In addition, senior al Qaeda operatives have been captured in Pakistan and other al Qaeda members have been apprehended in Singapore and Yemen. These actions have disrupted terrorist operations by neutralizing certain senior al Qaeda leadership and removing other terrorist planners and operatives.

The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is passed. Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the private sector may be reduced for the time being. We emphasize that the United States and its interests are still at a significant risk of terrorist attack. Detained al Qaeda operatives have informed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that al Qaeda will wait until it believes Americans are less vigilant and less prepared before it will strike again. For this reason, and for the safety and security of our nation, Americans must continue to be defiant and alert; undaunted and prepared to respond to a significant risk of terrorist attacks. The American people serve as our strongest defense against terrorism. We ask all citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity and to report it to local authorities or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The nation's Homeland Security Advisory System provides a national framework to inform and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and local government as well as private individuals at home and at work. The system indicates protective measures commensurate with the current threat level to be taken to reduce the nation's vulnerability to terrorist attack.

At the elevated risk level, significant security measures will remain in place at all federal agencies. Examples of these include:

• A focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities, with security and surveillance tailored to meet specific intelligence reports and security needs.
• Continued increased surveillance.
• Random inspections of passenger vehicles entering parking lots and restricted parking as necessary.
• Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal jurisdictions and private sector partners.
• One hundred percent identification check of personnel entering facilities. During duty hours, employees must personally escort visitors and remain responsible for their whereabouts for the duration of their visit.
• Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and other deliverables.

We thank all federal, state and local government and law enforcement officials, representatives of the private sector, and individual citizens for your patience and resolve. Know that your efforts are making a difference. And know, as well, that through our collective efforts, we send a signal to those who would do us harm that America stands alert, united, and prepared.

• The threat level is being lowered from a High Condition (Orange) to an Elevated Condition (Yellow). There is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. In addition to continuing all precautions implemented at lower threat levels, the following general protective measures are also recommended:

1. Consider Increasing surveillance of critical locations;
2. Coordinating emergency plans with nearby jurisdictions;
3. Assessing further refinements of Protective Measures within the context of current threat information; and
4. Implementing, as appropriate, contingency and emergency response plans.

• Suggested Protective Measures for State and Locals at Elevated Condition (Yellow):

1. Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and local jurisdictions, and private sector partners;
2. Review vulnerability and threat assessments and revise as needed;
3. Assess potential terrorist targets and develop plans to counter attacks;
4. Keep the public informed of the current threat level and advisories;
5. Review emergency response plans and ensure all emergency supplies are stocked and ready;
6. Continue normal activities, but report suspicious activities to local law enforcement;
7. Implement screening procedures for incoming office mail and other deliveries;
8. Conduct communications checks to ensure radio and other communications systems are operating effectively;
9. Focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities and tailor your security and surveillance of these sites to meet specific intelligence reports and security needs;
10. Remind employees of security and evacuation procedures at current threat level, and continue all measures implemented from lower threat levels.