FBI, Hoover Police, DHS partner to promote citizens’ threat preparedness

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Hoover Police Department and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have teamed up to conduct a training exercise involving simulation of a complex terrorist attack in a public venue in Alabama, Birmingham.

Scheduled to be executed on 8 May at Riverchase Galleria Mall in Hoover, the final phase of the Complex Mall Attack initiative is mainly aimed at promoting preparedness among citizens during emergency situations.

FBI Birmingham special agent in charge (SAC) Richard Schwein Jr., said that while this exercise is not in direct response to any incident, it is important for the FBI and state, local, and federal partners to be prepared and to constantly maintain that preparedness.

"In a terrorism or active shooter incident, or any other similar situation, we work side by side with our law enforcement partners, and it’s important to exercise our joint capabilities," Schwein added.

In addition, the exercise will involve participation from state and local law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and the private sector.

Last year, the federal agency offices hosted facilitated symposium with public safety and private sector partners mainly targeting preparedness, response, and recovery efforts required to effectively deal with a complex attack.

Participating agencies in the exercise also include US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama; Center for Domestic Preparedness; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

Further participants include Hoover Emergency Medical Services; Hoover Fire Department; Riverchase Galleria Mall Security; Riverchase Mall Management; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Birmingham Police Department and Homewood Police Department.