LANSING. The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Infrastructure Protection and the Troy Police Department hosted a Private Sector Counterterrorism Awareness workshop today in Troy, Michigan, educating nearly 300 private security managers and directors in homeland security trends and issues.

One of the largest gatherings of private sector security personnel in Michigan, today's workshop provided an opportunity for participants to gain insight into the objectives and techniques of terrorists, learn how to recognize potential indicators and warning signs of terrorist activity, and understand efforts underway to address potential threats.

"Today's workshop is instrumental in enhancing Michigan's capabilities to prevent, respond to and recover from potential terrorist attacks," said Capt. W. Thomas Sands, commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "With 85 percent of critical infrastructure being owned by the private sector, it's crucial to educate private security personnel in counterterrorism tactics to help guarantee the safety of Michigan's citizens."

Presentation topics included hazardous device recognition, soft target awareness, threat assessment procedures, surveillance detection and the DHS TRIPwire (Technical Resource for Incident Prevention) online resource.

Additional workshop sponsors included the Michigan chapters of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS), Somerset Collection and Somerset Inn, and the U.S. Attorney's Office - Michigan Eastern District.

For more information on Michigan homeland security initiatives and training, please visit www.michigan.gov/emhsd.

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division is responsible for coordinating state and federal resources to assist local government in response and relief activities in the event of an emergency or disaster, as well as coordinating homeland security initiatives and various federal grants.