21 May 2005. Thanks to A.
From the US Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone, website:
http://freetown.usembassy.gov/
Downloaded 12 May 2005.
Original in Word DOC, created Monday, October 28, 2002, 4:41:00 PM, authored by MetzgerSO(ADM), American Embassy Freetown.
United States Embassy
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Regional Security Office
Security Briefing
Regional/ Security Office Staff
Michael E. Bishop - Regional Security OfficerSaidu Samura - Foreign Service National Security Investigator
John Karama - Local Guard Force/Surveillance Detection Supervisor
Embassy Freetown does not have a Marine Security Guard Detachment.
Approximately 140 locally hired unarmed contract security guards are assigned to control access and provide security at all Embassy locations. The guards are supported by two marked patrol cars. The uniformed guards are employed by Group 4/Falck Security Services
There are also approximately 40 armed Sierra Leone Police Officers assigned to protect Embassy locations and direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Chancery Access
The Chancery is a lock and leave facility. Normal Embassy working hours are 0800 to 1700 Monday through Thursday, and 0800 to 1300 hours Friday. All permanently assigned USDH personnel holding a security clearance are issued a key to access the building. If you have not been issued a key and require access to the Chancery outside of normal hours, please make the necessary arrangements with your control officer.
All persons seeking access to the Chancery must have proper identification. The only forms of identification valid for access into the Chancery are issued by the Regional Security Officer (RSO). Person's seeking access into the Chancery not holding an RSO issued identification card will be signed in as a visitor and escorted by authorized Mission personnel. All pedestrians seeking access to the Chancery must enter through the guard booth located outside the Embassy. All visitors and vehicles seeking access to the Chancery compound will be subject to security screening of their person and possessions. Special arrangements can be made on a case by case basis by contacting the Regional Security Officer.
The fourth and fifth floors of the Chancery are designated as Controlled Access Areas. USDH Employees with security clearances are authorized unrestricted movement in most areas of these floors. Personnel not holding a security clearance are not permitted unescorted access into these areas. Visiting USG personnel will be required to provide formal proof of security clearance in order to have unescorted access to the fourth and fifth floor and any classified information. A11 classified information, documents and conversations must be maintained on the fourth and fifth floors. Cell phones and two-way radios are not permitted on the fourth and fifth floors of the Chancery.
Lock and Leave:
Freetown is a lock and leave Embassy. There is not a 24-hour cleared American presence in the building. Keys to the Chancery are only issued to permanently assigned U.S. Direct Hire Personnel holding at minimum a secret security clearance. The RSO is responsible for determining who is issued keys to the building. Keys to the building will only be issued after the following conditions have been met:
The employee has received a security briefing from the RSO;The RSO determines the employee requires after-hours access to the building;
Official documentation regarding the Employee's security clearance has been received;
The employee has received instruction from the RSO regarding opening and closing procedures;
The employee has demonstrated competence in the opening and closing procedures.
Basic guidelines regarding lock and leave keys:
Always keep the key in the possession of the person it was issued to; o Never give the key or allow an unauthorized person to have access to the key; o Immediately notify the RSO in the event a key is lost or stolen; o Ensuring the building has been cleared of all personnel (including employees and guards) before securing the doors;
Classified Material & Information:
The fourth and fifth floor offices are the only areas approved for classified materials, holding of classified documents/items, processing of classified information and classified discussions.
All USG personnel visiting Post will be required to provide official documentation of their security clearance in order to be granted unescorted access to the 4th and 5th floors and access to any classified information;Processing of classified material on unclassified computer systems is not permitted. If you are unsure contact the RSO or IPO;
Classified material shall not be removed from the 4th or 5th floor areas without the consent of the RSO. If Classified material is to be removed it must be in an official diplomatic pouch authorized by the Embassy;
Always store classified material and information in a GSA approved container equipped with a spin-dial lock, ensuring the lock has been secured;
Palm pilots and electronic data organizers are not permitted in the Embassy;
Use of lap top computers inside the Embassy is subject to approval by the RSO and IMO.
Immediately report any possible compromise of classified information to the RSO
Summoning Assistance in the Event of an Emergency:
All permanently assigned and visiting USG personnel will be issued an Embassy two-way radio and instructed regarding proper use. In the event of an emergency, assistance can be summoned on Channel 1 by calling either then local guard force dispatcher or RSO.
Local Guard Force: (Ch. 1) Call Sign: "Control"
Regional Security Officer: (Ch. 1) Call Sign: "RSO"
Assistance can also be summoned by contacting the RSO directly via telephone:
Home: (232-22) 231-644
Cell: 076-616-619
Office: (232-22) 226-48112131415
The RSO is available to respond to any request for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Emergency Planning:
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a classified document and can be obtained from the RSO. All presently assigned USDH employees assigned to Post are responsible to know their role in the event of an emergency. The RSO is available to discuss the EAP, your role in regards to the EAP, and the appropriate procedures to follow in the event of an emergency situation.
In the event of a fire, bomb threat, terrorist act targeting the Chancery, all personnel are directed to follow the instructions provided via the building's public address system.
Travel in Sierra Leone:
All USG personnel travelling to Sierra Leone on official travel orders must obtain Chief of Mission and the Regional Security Officer's approval for any/all travel outside of the greater Freetown area/Western Province. All requests for approval regarding travel outside the greater Freetown/Western Province will be evaluated on the following criteria:
o Mission and intended purpose of the travel;o Available threat information;
o Logistical requirements of the travel;
o Security requirements of the travel
Road travel outside the Freetown area/Western province during the hours is not permitted.
Housing:
Most official USG visitor's to Freetown will be provided accommodations in USG provided quarters. Some USG visitor's to Freetown will be provided accommodations in local hotels and guesthouses approved by the RSO.
Regardless of where you stay, take time to familiarize yourself with the locations of the nearest fire exit and extinguisher.
Transportation:
All official USG travelers to Sierra Leone will be provided Embassy Motor Pool vehicle and driver, or in some cases other authorized/approved means of transportation. For personal safety and security concerns, do not use any forms of public transportation.
Car-jacking:
Unlike most West African cities, car jacking is not a common occurrence in the greater Freetown area. However, all official USG personnel are instructed the following:
Keep your doors and windows locked/secured;Always very the times and routes of your travels;
Be aware of your surroundings;
Do not allow your vehicle to become boxed in, ensure you always have adequate room to maneuver in the event you are attacked;
Keep valuable items out of sight;
Park in well-lit areas. When approaching your vehicle have your keys in your hand. Check the surrounding area for any suspicious persons, items and conditions. If you observe something that is suspect do not go to you vehicle and summon assistance;
If possible, plan you routes in advance and consider viable escape alternatives;
Be aware that car jackers may use a variety of methods to gain access to your vehicle, to include staging minor accidents, disabling you vehicle, blocking the roadway or posing as persons asking for directions;
If you believe you are being followed, summon assistance on your radio and drive immediately to a crowded well-lit area;
Most important, if a gunman demands your vehicle, do not make any sudden or furtive movements and immediately give it up.
Crime in Freetown:
Freetown is rated critical for crime. A large number of displaced persons as result of a length civil war and a poor local economy have significantly contributed to this problem. In order to protect yourself and ensure your visit to Sierra Leone is safe and uneventful all official USG travelers are instructed the following:
Do not use your credit cards and personal checks on the local economy. Carefully safeguard all financial and personal information;Do not carry or wear any items that may attract the attention of criminals. Carry only what you need, deep in your pockets;
Do not carry large amounts of cash currency;
Always carry and monitor your two-way radio;
Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently at a steady pace on the side of the street facing on-coming traffic;
Walk close to the curb. Avoid alleys, doorways and any other areas in which you could become boxed in;
Do not walk alone at night, and always avoid isolated areas where there are few people;
Wear practical clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement and allows you to move quickly;
Always keep the door to your quarters locked and secured. Use the peephole to identify any persons seeking access;
If you are staying in a local hotel or guesthouse, double check any calls from the front desk requesting you come to the lobby to meet a visitor or resolve other business. Call the ti O [sic] desk back to verify they actually placed call. This could be a ploy frequently used by local criminals to lure travelers out of their quarters;
Do not invite strangers into your quarters;
All locally employed Embassy employees have a red color coded Embassy issued identification card. If somebody approaches you advising the are employed by the Embassy and you are uncertain, ask to see his or her identification card.
If you believe you are being followed, do NOT run. Immediately go to a safe place (police station, government installation, public facility) and summon assistance from the Embassy;Do not pick up hitch-hikers and be careful when dealing with any strangers;
For obvious reason, avoid contact with local prostitutes who are frequently working in conjunction with local con men;
Always travel with your car windows and doors closed and locked;
Vary your pattern -- do not establish the same habits, routes, etc;
The purchase any valuable minerals or gems in Sierra Leone is strongly discouraged and should be avoided;
Avoid large crowds and public demonstrations;
Avoid travelling local roads late at night. Local streets can be dangerous for unfamiliar motorist (large potholes, sharp curves, steep cliffs and poorly lit). Robbers tend to operate during the hours of 0200 to 0400. The RSO's office strongly encourages for safety and security considerations that all USG personnel to return to their quarters at a reasonable hour;
If confronted by a criminal do not resist. Immediately give the criminal what they want. Local criminals usually do not harm their victims as long as they submit to their demands.
Immediately report any incidents, suspicious activities or concerns to the Regional Security Officer.
U.S. Government policy regarding personal relationships with foreign nationals:
USG regulation requires all personnel under Chief of Mission authority to report any continuing or on-going relationships with foreign nationals. This includes the following circumstances:
Intent to marry a foreign national must be given by the employee to the employing agency in writing at least 120 days before expected date of marriage;Any relationship when the employee cohabits or develops a romantic or sexual intimate and continuing relationship with a foreign national (report any cohabitation with a foreign national within the first month);
Any contact with a national of Communist-governed/allied country.
The Embassy's Regional Security Officer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with any security matters and respond to any security incidents.
Please sign below to acknowledge that you have received and understand the security briefing material.
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