Featured Article -- March 2006

KCTEW moves toward full operations

The KC Regional TEW initiated start-up activities with the appointment of the center’s director in November 2005. As one of more than 20 new TEW Groups around the nation, the KCTEW is methodically moving through a planned, phased approach to full operations.The center should reach it's initial operational level by July 2006. 

The KCTEW was created in response to Presidential Directives to increase information sharing, and is funded by federal grants and participant assistance. Its primary mission is to attempt to detect and mitigate planned acts of violence through enhanced analytical capabilities. This involves fostering greater interagency and interdisciplinary cooperation to provide more complete and productive information exchange.  It also involves a business and community outreach program that is designed not only to solicit support and participation, but also to provide preparedness information and resources.
 
The KCTEW is somewhat unique in its approach to the TEW concept. Although sponsored by organizations in both Missouri and Kansas, it maintains a significant level of operational independence since it is not directly a part of the day-to-day operations of any single municipal, county, or state entity. Instead, it is primarily responsible to its member organizations through an Executive Committee which serves as the TEW’s governing body. This approach allows the KCTEW to prioritize and formulate operational direction that is guided by the priority of the material and mission at hand.

Another aspect of Kansas City’s operation that is a bit of a departure from many TEWs is that it will not be a large information repository.  Rather, it is geared towards the instantaneous acquisition of information from a broad array of members and participants. The inherent philosophy behind this approach is to gather the freshest and most complete information package with each inquiry, rather than to base analysis or assessment on previously collected data.

The KCTEW will also have access to information reported by the public through our Web site and through member organizations.  This information can be factored into the group’s analytical efforts, and will provide a new and important component to each product.

This is an exciting initiative that will enhance preparedness in the Greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The activation of this Web site is a milestone in that effort.  Site visitors may view a video on the “Seven Signs of Terrorism,” collect information on what to do as the national threat levels change, and download pamphlets on a variety of topics. This site will continue to change and develop, and we hope to provide users with a greater sense of understanding of the work being done by public and private agencies to help ensure the safety of our region's residents

 

 

The threat level in the airline sector is HIGH or Orange. See www.dhs.gov for details.

An online Suspicious Activity Report Form (SAR) will be available soon.