Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

Given the recent events of the federal government upgrading the nation's emergency preparedness level to Orange, the following information is being disseminated to further inform our community as to how we can remain vigilant to ensure the safety of our community.

Keeping in line with those efforts, our federal partners have developed a sketch of commonalities regarding homicide bombers. We are sharing this information with you solely as an effort to provide you with an understanding of what a request of vigilance may mean to you.

Law enforcement agencies frequently seek the assistance of the public in identifying possible suspects or suspicious circumstances. For example, because of the vigilance of one citizen in our community, a bank robber recently was taken into custody without incident. The robber entered the bank wearing a trench coat and floppy hat. The citizen, observing that this attire was inconsistent with the high temperatures, called 9-1-1. As a result of this citizen's actions, the officers responded and were able to take this dangerous bank robber into custody without incident.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan community has always been, and remains, one of the safest in the country. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department prides itself on partnering with the community to ensure public safety and quality of life. We are confident that members of our community will continue to work with us to fulfill our mission, "to protect people, property and rights in our community."

This information provided below is designed to be yet another tool utilized by both the police and community in continuing our efforts in remaining vigilant against not only acts of terrorism, but any activity that may threaten our community's quality of life. We emphasize once again that this is solely for informational purposes. We have received no threats or credible information identifying Las Vegas or Nevada as targets for terrorist-related activities.

Homicide bombers

The typical bomber is a male between the ages of 18 and 24 and seldom over 30 years of age. Recently females have even been used.
The bomber is usually single but if married have no children.
The bomber will likely have a high school education and more recently be a graduate of an institution of higher learning.
The bomber exhibits verbal or other signs of fanatical religious beliefs.
The bomber may shave his head or cut his hair short when preparing to meet his god. A recent haircut or shaved beard or mustache may be evidenced by differences in skin complexion on the head, neck or face.
The bomber may wear a coat or jacket that looks much larger than what he would normally wear to be able to hide the explosives.
If the device is carried, the bomber will maintain a tight grip on the bag and keep it close to his body, squeezing or stroking the bag.
A string or any unusual wire wrapped around or held in his hand or protruding from the jacket or bag may be indicative of a pull initiator of an explosive device. A pull initiator is safer for a bomber than a switch or electronic initiator.
Backpacks have been the recent container of choice.
The bomber is likely to appear nervous and may be sweating.
The bomber may shift from foot to foot, have wide open eyes and continuously look around.
The bomber may be salivating profusely and have sweaty hands.
The person may stand out as looking atypical for the place and others around him.
Some males have disguised themselves as a woman to enable them to reach their target.
The bomber may be praying fervently to himself, giving the appearance of someone whispering.

Items that may be possessed by a homicide bomber:

An oversized jacket with what appears to be intentionally made slits or holes which would be used for the pull initiator.
A backpack with what appears to be intentionally punched holes or slits. String or wire may be protruding from the hole.
>A back support brace when he gives no indication of a back problem. The brace is used to support the weight and awkwardness of an explosive device.
Electronic components from disassembled toys, radios, telephones or other electronic devices.
Hobby fuse or safety fuse.