Month: September 2021

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Press release available in both English and Spanish 

Together with FBI headquarters and field offices throughout the nation, the FBI El Paso Field Office is engaged in a multifaceted West Texas effort to build public awareness of hate crimes and encourage reporting to law enforcement. The strategy includes a public awareness campaign, community and media outreach, and law enforcement coordination.

A hate crime is defined as a violent criminal act against a person or property motivated in whole or in part by an offender’s bias against a race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity. Hate crimes are often underreported to both federal and local law enforcement.

“We understand that some individuals may be afraid to come forward to law enforcement,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Downey. “I want to assure the community that the FBI works to protect all victims of crimes, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, or gender identity, country of national origin, or immigration status. Acts of hate and racism have no place here and will not be tolerated. The FBI cannot do our work without the public’s help. We encourage people to report any behavior they think might be a hate crime, even if they are unsure, to our office at (915) 832-5000. Give law enforcement the opportunity to conduct a thorough, fair review of the facts.”

Public Awareness Campaign Launch

FBI El Paso has launched a social media awareness campaign on @FBIElPaso and currently is running advertisements at El Paso International Airport, local gas station pumps (Speedway and Howdy’s), digital billboards, radio advertisements (KTSM-FM & KTSM-AM), various paper and digital media platforms, and with numerous community entities in El Paso/Midland/Odessa areas, to encourage the public to report hate crimes to the FBI in any language.

Additionally, FBI El Paso will host an on-the-record event for our local media outlets, participate in local podcasts and radio interviews to discuss how West Texas law enforcement partners work together to investigate and prosecute incidents possibly motivated by bias and hate.

Community Outreach

Our Community Outreach Specialist has been increasing outreach efforts to minority associations, religious organizations, and community groups to promote communication, education, and increased reporting regarding hate crime and civil rights abuse. The community can reach out to request presentations, virtual “Meet and Greets,” or brochures and other educational materials

Learn more about FBI El Paso’s Community Outreach program, including how to request an FBI El Paso speaker on a variety of topics, including hate crimes.

Law Enforcement Coordination

The FBI is the lead investigative agency for criminal violations of federal civil rights statutes. The Bureau works closely with its local, state, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners around the country in many of these cases. Hate crimes are the highest priority of the FBI’s civil rights program because of the devastating impact they have on families and communities. The Bureau investigates hundreds of these cases every year, and we work to detect and prevent incidents through law enforcement training, public outreach, and partnerships with community groups.

Transparency, partnerships, and public education are fundamental to increase the reporting of hate crime incidents occurring in our communities.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911. If you believe you have been the target or victim of a hate crime or other civil rights violation, contact the FBI El Paso Division at (915) 832-5000 or submit a tip online at https://tips.fbi.gov. Tips can remain anonymous and can be made in an individual’s native language. If you are a member of an impacted community and would like to engage with us in this critical work, our FBI community outreach team can be contacted at fbi_ep_outreach@fbi.gov.

Resources

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El FBI en El Paso Urge al Público a Reportar Crímenes de Odio 

Junto con la Oficina Central del Buró Federal de Investigaciones (FBI) y las Oficinas Regionales en todo el país, La Oficina Regional del FBI en El Paso está comprometido en un esfuerzo multifacético en el Oeste de Texas para dar a conocer y alentar al público a reportar crímenes de odio a las Autoridades Policiacas. La estrategia incluye una campaña de concienciación pública, coordinación con la comunidad, los medios de comunicación y las autoridades policiacas.

Un crimen de odio es definido como un acto violento criminal en contra de una persona u propiedad motivado por u en parte del prejuicio del delincuente en contra de una raza, religión, origen, discapacidad, orientación sexual, género u identidad de género. Los Crímenes de Odio frecuentemente no son reportados a las autoridades locales y federales.

“Entendemos que algunos individuos podrían sentir miedo de notificar a las autoridades policiacas”, dijo el Agente Especial a Cargo Jeffrey Downey. “Quiero asegurarle a la comunidad que el FBI trabaja para proteger a las víctimas de crímenes, sin importar raza, etnicidad, religión, discapacidad, orientación sexual, género u identidad de género, país de origen u estatus migratorio. Actos de odio y racismo no tienen lugar aquí y no serán tolerados. El FBI no puede hacer su trabajo sin la ayuda del público. Nosotros alentamos a las personas a reportar cualquier comportamiento que pudiese ser un crimen de odio, aunque no esté plenamente seguro, a nuestra oficina al teléfono (915) 832-5000. Dele la oportunidad a las autoridades policiacas de conducir una revisión justa y exhaustiva de los hechos.”

Lanzamiento de la Campaña de Concienciación Pública

El FBI en El Paso ha lanzado la campaña de concienciación en los medios sociales en @FBIELPASO y actualmente tiene anuncios publicitarios en el Aeropuerto Internacional de El Paso, gasolineras locales (Speedway y Howdy’s), publicidad digital, publicidad radial en (KTSM-FM y KTSM-AM), varios periódicos y plataformas digitales y con varias entidades comunitarias en el área de El Paso/ Midland/Odessa, para alentar al público de reportar crímenes de odio al FBI en cualquier idioma.

Adicionalmente, El FBI en El Paso participara en un evento con los medios locales, participara en Podcasts locales eh entrevistas radiales para discutir como las autoridades policiacas del Oeste de Texas trabajan conjuntamente para investigar y enjuiciar posibles incidentes motivados por prejuicio u odio.

Asistencia Comunitaria

Nuestros Especialistas en Asistencia Comunitaria han incrementado los esfuerzos de alcance a las asociaciones minoritarias, organizaciones religiosas y grupos comunitarios para promover la comunicación, educación eh incrementar el número de reportes concernientes a crímenes de odio y abuso de libertades civiles. La comunidad puede solicitar presentaciones, encuentros virtuales u folletos y materiales educativos.

Conozca más sobre el Programa de Asistencia Comunitaria del FBI en El Paso, incluyendo como puede solicitar un presentador del FBI a que hable sobre varios temas, incluyendo los crímenes de odio.

Coordinación de Autoridades Policiacas

El FBI es la agencia que lidera investigaciones de violaciones criminales de los estatutos de derechos civiles a nivel federal. El FBI trabaja con autoridades policiacas locales, estatales, tribales y otras agencias federales a través del país en muchos de estos casos. Los crímenes de odio son la más alta prioridad para el programa de derechos civiles del FBI, por el impacto devastador que tiene en familias y comunidades. El FBI investiga cientos de estos casos cada año y trabaja para detectar y prevenir estos incidentes por medio de entrenamiento a autoridades policiacas, difusión pública, y colaboración con grupos comunitarios.

Transparencia, colaboración y educación pública son fundamental para incrementar el número de reportes de incidentes de crímenes de odio que ocurren en nuestras comunidades.

Si usted u alguien que usted conoce están en peligro inmediato, llame al 911. Si usted cree ser el blanco u víctima de un crimen de odio u otras violaciones a los derechos civiles, contacte al FBI de La División de El Paso al (915) 832-5000, u puede dar información en línea al https://tips.fbi.gov. La información puede mantenerse anónima y puede hacerse en su idioma natal. Si usted es miembro de alguna comunidad que ha sido impactada y quiere entablar una comunicación con nosotros en este trabajo crítico, nuestro equipo de Asistencia Comunitaria del FBI puede ser contactado en fbi_ep_outreach@fbi.gov.

Recursos

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

The FBI launched a hate crime reporting campaign this month in South Carolina as part of a nationwide effort to encourage reporting to law enforcement.

The advertising campaign in the state includes billboard messages, 30-second videos on gas station pumps at participating locations, mobile cellular telephone advertisements, and recorded messages on various radio stations.

Hate crimes are the highest priority of the FBI’s Civil Rights program. The Department of Justice defines a hate crime as a traditional crime motivated by bias against race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

Last month, the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Program released its annual Hate Crime Statistics Report for 2020. The report showed nationwide there were 7,764 reported hate crime incidents compared to 7,314 reported in 2019. South Carolina reported 110 incidents compared to 57 reported in 2019. The state’s data is compiled from 398 reporting law enforcement agencies.

“No one should ever be subjected to hate crimes in our society,” said Susan Ferensic, the FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Columbia Field Office. “This campaign shows that the FBI is dedicated to pursuing offenders of these heinous crimes and holding them accountable.”

If you believe you are victim or a witness of a hate crime, you are encouraged to report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip at tips.fbi.gov. You may remain anonymous.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

The FBI’s Portland Field Office and Oregon State Police – working with the FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center (BTAC) – are joining with law enforcement agencies, educators, mental health practitioners, and community organizations to form threat assessment teams designed to bolster Oregonians’ ability to identify and stop violent threats.

This initiative has two parts: 1) a series of regional workshops throughout the state; and 2) one-on-one consultations with communities interested in FBI threat assessment research as they consider forming threat assessment teams. The workshops – held in July – brought together more than 350 people from a variety of disciplines to learn how to identify those who are on a “pathway of violence” and to consider what options are available as they work disrupt a threat. (See list of workshop co-sponsors below.)

“It is very important that the FBI, working with OSP, give our partners the tools they need to identify and stop threatening behavior. While law enforcement has a role to play, these teams are really a community-led effort that draws on the strengths of educators, counselors, social service providers, and many others to be effective. When we have all of those partners at the table, research has shown that threat assessment teams are the most effective way to stop acts of mass violence,” said Kieran L. Ramsey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Oregon.

Years of experience and research by the FBI’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Center show that, while the motivators and drivers for violence are highly individualized, those who commit violence travel an observable and discernible pathway from thought to action. In almost all situations, a “bystander” (such as family, friends, classmates, or co-workers) will have noticed changes in behavior. In many cases, a bystander reports that concerning behavior to non-law enforcement authority figures, such as a school counselor, a coach, or a local religious leader. As such, community members need clear and sometimes multiple avenues for potential reporting.

How to Assist

Community members interested in learning more about how to help identify and stop violent threats can find more information in the FBI’s Making Prevention a Reality: Identifying, Assessing, and Managing the Threat of Targeted Attacks. Anyone with information about a potential threat or act of violence should call 911 (in an emergency) or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Information may also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov. Any Oregon agency, educator, mental health organization, or service-provider group interested in learning more about threat assessment teams should contact the FBI in Oregon at (503) 224-4181.

Workshop Co-sponsors

The threat assessment workshops took place in Lincoln City (July 12-13, 2021); Canyonville (July 14-15, 2021); and La Grande (July 19-20, 2021). Co-sponsors of these events included: Cow Creek Tribal Gaming Commission, Seven Feathers Casino Resort, Eastern Oregon University, Northwest Chapter of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals, Oregon Department of Human Services, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon Office of Emergency Management, Siletz Tribal Gaming Commission, Chinook Winds Casino Resort, and Oregon Peace Officers Association.

Additional resources:

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

Welcome to the Oregon FBI’s Tech Tuesday segment. Today: Building a digital defense against coin cons.

The FBI and the Department of Treasury have a warning today about fraudsters who are targeting coin collectors and investors through online auction, social media, and retail websites.

There are three types of counterfeit coins: transactional coins (quarters, dimes, etc.), numismatics (high-value collectibles), and bullion (precious metals). The scammers are using online ads, claiming the coins are authentic; however, consumers are receiving fake coins and precious metals.

Online estimates reveal that consumers spend millions of dollars buying valuable or rare coins, but most receive near-worthless foreign-made counterfeits. The U.S. government is seizing an increasing number of counterfeit coins at U.S. ports of entry. For example, in April 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Chicago’s international mail facility seized 279 shipments from China containing counterfeit coins and currency. In 2020, CBP seized more than $1.64 million in counterfeit cash and coins at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Scammers capitalized on the financial uncertainty and nationwide coin shortage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of amateur investors online. Many victims find purchasing online an easy method to make investments, as they can easily find what they are looking for, pay cheaper prices, and have their investments delivered right to their door. It’s a great option if you find a legitimate vendor.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Only make purchases from reputable, registered coin dealers.
• If you decide to purchase outside this venue, ensure that the coins are tested by a certified organization before making a purchase.
• Research online sellers before buying coins and precious metals online. Check online reviews and Better Business Bureau complaints before making a purchase.
• If you believe that you are the victim of a counterfeit coin scheme, immediately report the activity to the online payment provider or credit card company used for the transaction.

If you end up with counterfeit coins involving U.S. currency, you should file a report with your local U.S. Secret Service office. You can also file a complaint with the U.S. Treasury Office of Inspector General. All non-currency coins and bullion should be reported to the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force.

If you are the victim of an online fraud, you should also report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call your FBI local office.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

The FBI and Albuquerque Police Department are looking for an unidentified man who wore white-framed sunglasses when he robbed a southwest Albuquerque bank Thursday afternoon (9/23/2021).

The robbery occurred at Bank of the West, 5228 Central Ave. SW, at approximately 4:31 p.m.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’6″ to 5’7″ tall, with a slender to medium build.

He wore a dark sweatshirt, a dark two-tone baseball cap with a logo on the front, sunglasses with white frames, and a gray mask over his lower face.

The suspect entered the bank and presented a demand note to a teller.

The teller gave an undisclosed amount of money to the suspect, who left the bank.

Anyone with information about this robbery is asked to contact the FBI at (505) 889-1300, or Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers, anonymously, at (505) 843-STOP.

Tips can also be submitted online at tips.fbi.gov.

Information about other bank robbers wanted by the FBI can be found at bankrobbers.fbi.gov.

Bank robbery carries a possible prison term of up to 20 years. The use of a gun, other dangerous weapon, toy gun, or hoax bomb device during the commission of a bank robbery can be punishable by a prison term of up to 25 years.