Todd McGhee has the knowledge to comment on antiterrorism methods in the US and has also acquired the on-air TV skills that make him a superb expert guest.
When Fox 25 needed an expert to comment on a recent terrorist threat, Todd McGhee appeared on the Boston TV outlet to comment on the arrest of Rezwan Ferdaus. Ferdaus is the Ashland, Massachusetts resident who was allegedly plotting to fly explosive-filled radio controlled aircraft into the Capitol and Pentagon.
McGhee is a 24-year veteran Mass State Trooper who served as a specially trained officer and trainer of the Anti Terrorism Unit at Boston's Logan International. In the wake of 9/11, Todd co-developed new anti-terrorism methods and training for Logan, TD Green Airport and the MBTA.
His company, Protecting the Homeland Innovations, has trained NYPD, Washington Metro, New Jersey Transit and other agency security people to spot, analyze and respond to behaviors that indicate a potential terror threat. In 2007 PHI became the only private firm to be approved by the Department of Homeland Security to train behavior analytics to federal grant recipient agencies.
Kim Carrigan interviews Todd McGhee on Fox 25.
For a clip of the broadcast please visit:
http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/morning/technology-and-terrorism-20110929
It’s been 10 years since 9/11. Are we safer?
We’re being smarter about spotting potential threats by looking for and analyzing the kind of behavior that could spell trouble. Instead of relying increasingly on technology, we teach security people how to engage passengers in tactical dialogue – asking simple, friendly questions and looking for responses that could mean trouble – the poker player’s tell.
What can the public do?
The slogan If you see something say something needs to go further. PHI is now working with the transportation industry to educate the public on how to spot suspicious behavior and to report activity that is out of step with the norm – the passenger who hangs back when everyone is in rush or carries bags into the baggage claim area at the airport. Trust your instincts and notify authorities, but do not alert the individual, advises McGhee.
What about stopping the lone wolf terrorist?
Grass roots policing and responses by law enforcement are key. The lone wolf terrorists are individuals who are disconnected with society. It has nothing to do with relegion, they just want to belong to something and will find a nefarious cause to connect with. It's also a myth that people from a poor socio-economic background are more likely to become terrorists.
Gene Lavanchy interviews Todd McGhee on terror threat and suspect arrest.
