We are watching you!

“First Observer” is a national safety and security program that uses the skills, experiences and "savvy" of America's transportation professionals to help protect the critical transportation function that moves the goods and services and people across America.

“First Observer” is operated by Team HMS under a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trucking Security Program (TSP). The program's mission is to administer an anti-terrorism and security awareness program for highway professionals in support of the National Preparedness Guidelines. A key component of the program is to recruit volunteers from the Trucking, Motor Coach Carriers and School Bus industries to act as our “First Observer” in reporting suspicious activities of either a criminal or potential terroristic nature to authorities.

With today's Security threats our nations truckers have joined the fight against terrorism. Programs like First Observer are just what we need more of. It is actually every drivers duty to be observant of possible terrorist threats and suspicious activity in general. Programs like first observer give you a place to report such activity. First observers call center (888-217-5902) takes all reports seriously and gets the information to the proper authorities. They are teamed up the Department of Homeland Security and also work closely with school bus operators.

In their mission statement they say this: We envision creating and managing a flexible Highway ISAC that possesses the requisite knowledge of the highway community. We know that if you don't have the knowledge you cannot effectively analyze the information shared with the Highway ISAC.

They offer up to date security threats and monitor the Homeland Security Advisory System. If every driver on the highway paid closer attention to strange activities then maybe we could help, as citizens, to protect our freedom. Terrorism is a very real threat and the trucking industry believes the next attempt may be include the use of trucks. For this reason cargo theft activity has garnered more attention.
Cargo thefts are are on the rise and a recent report states that vehicle/cargo thefts are occurring within an hour of the vehicle/cargo being parked, noting that in a four hour monitored period 19 thefts had occurred. The report continues to point out that thieves are getting bolder by showing 34 thefts at carrier facilities, 24 at truck stops and 21 in parking lots. Cargo theft is serious and very costly. The average truckload of commodities cost in the $200,000 range with some valuing into the millions. Chemical truckloads are the most watched and tracked type of theft, due to the obvious danger that the load in general poses. These type of loads in the hands of untrained personnel or highly trained terrorist are disasters in the making and on grand scale.

So what would you do if suspected terrorist activity was taking place and you are watching it unfold? Hopefully you dial 911, but if not, rest assured when you are ready to report it First Observer will listen to you. We must keep in mind that not every person wearing robes and turbans are a threat, however, being vigilant and conscience could save lives.

Thanks for visiting our blog and hey, let's be cautiously observant out there.