Which description best fits terrorism?
- Theft of goods from a business in order to resell them for profit
- Violence used to intimidate people for political or ideological aims
- Damage caused to property by carelessness or by bad weather
- A workplace argument that ends in a fight between two employees
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B. Violence used to intimidate people for political or ideological aims
What marks terrorism out is its purpose: using or threatening violence to frighten a population or pressure a government in pursuit of a cause. Ordinary theft is motivated by gain, not ideology.
Reference: Terrorism awareness; guard pre-licensing curriculum, terrorism and WMD awareness module
Why are places such as shopping centers and stadiums described as "soft targets"?
- They hold large crowds with little security
- They are built out of lightweight materials
- They are owned by government agencies
- They store dangerous chemicals on site
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A. They hold large crowds with little security
A soft target is easy to reach and lightly protected yet full of people, which makes it attractive to an attacker. This is why alert front-line security staff matter so much in such places.
Reference: Terrorism awareness; guard pre-licensing curriculum, terrorism and WMD awareness module
Over two days a man is seen photographing the site's cameras, gates and guard posts and making notes. Which pre-attack indicator does this suggest?
- Surveillance
- Elicitation
- Sabotage
- Deployment
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A. Surveillance
Watching and recording security measures, entrances and routines is surveillance, usually the earliest sign of planning. Elicitation is trying to get information by asking questions.
Reference: DHS "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign; recognizing signs of terrorism-related suspicious activity