FDLE unveils new anti-terror program

By Ira Mikell, Free Press Reporter

May 14, 2008 05:42 pm

— In response to the growing threat of terrorism throughout the world, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has increased its level of security for Florida citizens and business owners by creating a new anti-terrorism program.
“BusinessSafe” is the name of the project, and, according to FDLE Commissioner Gerald Bailey, it allows business owners throughout Florida to join for free and receive alerts about any terrorist related threat that might affect their community. It also provides them with a safe method of reporting suspicious activity to local, as well as state, law enforcement.
“BusinessSafe creates a two-way communication highway that can be accessed and traveled by every single business in Florida. With the click of a mouse, we can directly connect with businesses ranging from restaurants to retailers to service industry providers,” Bailey said in a press release dated May 7.
In order to ensure the program will be successful, FDLE has partnered with the Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Florida Department of State, Florida Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, and Florida United Business Association, to name a few.
In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, FDLE created seven Regional Domestic Security Task Forces. Each task force is responsible for preventing, investigating, and properly responding to acts of terrorism.
“Each RDSTF includes partners from law enforcement, emergency management, fire/rescue, health, education, communication officials, and representatives from the private sector,” Kristen Perezluha, FDLE spokesperson, said.
Joining the program is easy and free, according to Perezluha. After going to the website —www.fdle.state.fl.us/bsafe—visitors click on the link to register an email address, phone number, or both. This information, according to the BusinessSafe website, remains confidential. They are used for the sole purpose of notifying the individual or business owner of any alerts of terrorism, whether there is a possibility it will occur in their community or is already taking place.
Alton Scott, who recently learned about the new program, said he is amazed at how effectively it works. He also encourages everyone in our community to visit the website, learn more about it, and register.
Scott currently assists Donnie Land at the Lafayette County Public Safety Office as Emergency Management Coordinator.
He took the former position of Donnie Land, who was appointed by the Lafayette County Commissioners to serve as Lafayette County Public Safety Director.
For more information about BusinessSafe, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us/bsafe.