LAS VEGAS, NEV. – The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department’s Counter Terrorism Section has recently launched a new initiative aimed at preventing terrorism through the use of foreign languages and social media.  The initiative, entitled LVMPD Partnerships Against Terrorism involves breaking down the language barriers within our immigrant populations and harnessing the power of Facebook and Twitter to protect our community from terrorism.

Breaking Down the Language Barriers. Bridging the gaps between language differences is the first step in building and maintaining community partnerships. As such we have translated our See Something, Say Something message into five languages: Arabic, Urdu, Amharic, Hebrew, and Spanish.  The translations are aimed at better connecting with our immigrant populations; specifically the Arabic with our Arab community, the Urdu with our Pakistani community, the Amharic with our East African community, the Hebrew with our Israeli community, and the Spanish with our Hispanic community. The translated flyers have been posted in community centers, restaurants, coffee shops, and a variety of other locations.

Countering Terrorism through Tweets and Friend Requests. In addition to offering our message in multiple languages, we have taken advantage of social media and launched a counter terrorism specific Facebook and Twitter page.  Both of these innovative tools will be used to share new trends and concerns that may threaten our community, educate the public on how to report suspicious activity, and develop new partnerships between our community members and law enforcement.  The thought of “adding a friend” or “follower” is right in line with our mission of community engagement and our hope is to soon have as many friends and followers as possible.

Ultimately, our intent is to better engage our diverse population, establish a mutual trust, encourage community partnerships, and empower our citizens to help us prevent terrorism.  Do your part now and like us on Facebook at LVMPD Partnerships Against Terrorism and follow us on Twitter at LVMPDCTS.

Please report suspicious activity to the Southern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center at our 24/7 hotline at 702- 828-8386 or electronically at www.SNCTC.org.