26-103 Homeland Security Unit – Threat Liaison Program

San Francisco Police Department officers serve as the first line of defense in protecting the City from criminal acts of terrorism. The SFPD Threat Liaison Officer (TLO) Program provides a structured network of trained officers who assist in identifying, preventing, and responding to terrorism-related threats and activities.

The TLO Program is a national program that provides ongoing specialized training and information concerning homeland security, terrorism, and related threats. Through the program, designated officers receive specialized training and serve as a resource for their respective units.

HOMELAND SECURITY UNIT

SFPD’s Homeland Security Unit (HSU) coordinates and oversees the TLO Program.

THREAT LIAISON OFFICER

A Threat Liaison Officer (TLO) is a sworn officer designated by their Commanding Officer to serve as a liaison between their unit and HSU.

TLOs are responsible for disseminating relevant information and training to officers within their assigned units and are encouraged to remain informed regarding current homeland security, terrorism, and disaster preparedness matters. Units should strive to maintain at least one TLO on every shift to serve as a readily available resource.

TLO responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting station roll-call training and briefing officers on relevant information and updates received from HSU, the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other appropriate partner agencies and organizations.
• Maintaining current information through designated information-sharing resources and approved communication platforms.
• Serving as a knowledgeable resource within the unit regarding terrorism awareness, prevention, disaster preparedness, and related matters.
• Supporting disaster preparedness efforts within their assigned unit, including assisting with the dissemination of preparedness information, identifying and communicating unit-level preparedness needs, and supporting HSU-led preparedness initiatives and exercises.
• Attending TLO meetings, briefings, and training as scheduled or directed by HSU.
• Assisting officers and investigators during incidents occurring within their district or unit that have a terrorism nexus or otherwise require coordination related to homeland security or disaster preparedness.
• Promoting terrorism awareness, emergency preparedness, and resiliency within their station and the community.
• Reviewing reports generated within their station or unit and forwarding reports that may have a nexus to terrorism or terrorism-related activity to HSU and the Special Investigations Division (SID), consistent with SFPD policy.
• Supporting the identification and reporting of suspicious activity in accordance with applicable SFPD policies and procedures.

For additional information regarding Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR), refer to the applicable SFPD Notices and policy.

THREAT LIAISON OFFICER COORDINATOR

The Threat Liaison Officer Coordinator (TLOC) is assigned to HSU and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing SFPD’s TLO Program.

TLOC responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinating and monitoring TLO training and continuing education.
• Facilitating TLO meetings, briefings, and other program-related activities.
• Serving as the clearinghouse for relevant information received through NCRIC and other regional, state, and federal partners.
• Reviewing SARs for quality and policy compliance prior to submission to NCRIC.
• Serving as a liaison with regional, state, and federal partners regarding the prevention of and response to terrorism and terrorism-related threats.
• Providing guidance and support to SFPD TLOs in carrying out their assigned responsibilities.

Questions regarding the TLO Program should be directed to HSU at [Redacted]

/s/
DERRICK J. LEW
Chief of Police