Eagle Eyes Program: Watch, Report, Protect

  • Published
  • By Special Agent Peter Van Damme
  • Air Force Office of Special Investigation, Detachment 102
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  As a result of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Air Force implemented an antiterrorism program called "Eagle Eyes," which is run by the Air Force Office of Special Investigation. Much like a neighborhood watch program, the Eagle Eyes program is an aggressive Air Force-wide neighborhood watch program that educates people on observable activities and what to do if they see something suspicious. The motto for Eagle Eyes is: "Watch, Report, Protect."

The Eagle Eyes program focuses on reminding base personnel whether active duty, Reserve, family members or civilian contractors as well as the civilian communities surrounding the base to remain vigilant and keep their eyes and ears open to any suspicious activities.

"The 2001 attack did not just spontaneously happen. There were precursor events that occurred that eventually led up to the attack," said Special Agent Bill Beattie, Det. 102, Counter Intelligence Branch chief. "These terrorists conducted surveillance, planned their attacks and rehearsed their operation."
 
Lessons learned in the federal law enforcement and intelligence communities played a key role in the development of the Eagle Eyes Program.

"Of most importance, we learned that every terrorist act is preceded by observable activities. These activities usually include surveillance, elicitation for information, tests of security, acquiring certain supplies, a dry run -- practicing the terrorist act, and deploying the assets to commit the act," he said. "Once the assets are deployed to commit the attack, it is almost always too late to prevent the act from occurring."

OSI Detachment 102 special agents here are out on the streets daily briefing Eagle Eyes information not only to the base community, but also to local vendors and companies that may be of interest to terrorists.

"Through education, it is possible to train individuals on how to help prevent a terrorist attack from occurring," Special Agent Beattie said. "When the community is aware of pre-attack indicators, they can play a vital role in deterring a potential attack."

Once a potential indicator is observed, it is reported to OSI through various channels. The office then investigates the reported activity.

Examples of what has been reported through the Eagle Eyes program include: a duffle bag containing Air Force flight suits stolen from an Airman's vehicle; two females attempted to elicit information from Security Forces members concerning missile and troop operations; two unidentified males entered a local copier store and laminated a suspected counterfeit military identification card. Through joint investigative efforts with local Police Departments the counterfeit ID was confiscated.

By reaching out to Air Force members, their families and the local community through educational briefings and word of mouth, these incidents were reported in a timely manner. By reporting these incidents, potential criminal or terrorist plots were foiled.

"Through education, we believe many incidents can be easily avoided. Simple things like not leaving valuables, such as your military identification, military uniforms, or deployment gear in your vehicles can prevent a potential terrorist activity from occurring," Agent Beattie said.

Law Enforcement officials, to include OSI special agents, cannot be everywhere at all times.

"The Eagle Eyes Program relies on you to remain vigilant, only you know your neighborhood and your workplace. Please continue to remain cognizant and continue to "Watch, Report and Protect."

To report anything out of the norm or suspicious occurring on or off base, report it immediately to Security Forces, available 24-hours a day at (781) 377-2314 or via the Centernet homepage, where you can report suspicious activity directly to Hanscom's OSI Detachment 102 by email, or contact the office by phone at (781) 377-4605. Suspicious activity can also be reported by calling Headquarters Air Force OSI Global Watch at (877)246-1453.