As of now, the analysts are saying that there are no known, specific threats to New York or the Jewish community.

Vehicle ramming is becoming more common. There have been recent several incidents, both domestic and overseas. In contrast to attacks against law enforcement, the victims in these incidents appeared to have been targeted indiscriminately by the perpetrators, as the sites likely were chosen with the intention to cause mass casualties and generate media attention, rather than target a specific group.

This incident should serve as a reminder that, out of an abundance of caution, every facility should review their security procedures and heighten their vigilance. A visible change in access control procedures can be reassuring to building users.

Given the relative simplicity of ramming, facility managers should evaluate whether bollards, hardened planters and other physical protection measures should be considered.

Also consider whether staff vehicles parked adjacent to your facility can be used as an interim measure to protect your building and your users.

Recommendations (HT to Paul DeMatteis)

• Your staff should be briefed on basic suspicious behavior and made aware that they are responsible for immediately reporting suspicious activity or persons.
• If security guards are utilized, they should be briefed concerning your enhanced expectations, and field supervision should make additional visits to your location to ensure compliance.
• Interior and exterior security inspections (by security, maintenance staff, trained volunteers, executive staff, etc.) should be conducted several times a day.
• During high volume arrival or departure times, additional security should be utilized.
• All security policies and procedures should be reviewed and strictly followed.
• All security equipment should be checked for fitness.
• To identify suspicious activity, where available, camera system recording (day and night) should be reviewed daily.
• Continue to maintain a close relationship with local law enforcement.
• Create a “culture of security” in your organization. Security is everybody’s business. Everyone should know, “If you see something, say something.”