A Terrorist Early Warning (TEW) Group is a multi-lateral, multi-disciplinary effort with five (5) main objectives:

1. To identify trends and assess potential threats from terrorism through the monitoring of open source intelligence data
2. To provide an alert and warning capability 
3. To assess potential targets of terrorism 
4. To establish common response protocols to guide multi-agency responses to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or other incidents 
5. To perform net assessments to aid mission planning, decision-making, and allocation of resources during actual terrorist events

Role of TEW in Homeland Security

The TEW enhances domestic security and the security of people in the Greater New Orleans area by serving as an intelligent component of Urban Area Security Initiative. TEW is an important component in capturing needed intelligence, as well as a focused, analytical approach to intelligence analysis.

TEW also provides a forum for first responders from surrounding parishes for intra- and inter-disciplinary discussion. TEW is able to reach all governmental, community, and private sector interests, which can aid in Consequence Projection, Consequence Management, and Response Planning.

TEW represents a valuable information resource for private industries as well. TEW assists in the development of response plans for specific targets. TEW provides first responders with detailed knowledge during the planning process, knowledge that is specific to the issue or sector in question. From planning to implementation, TEW serves as a working partner in the war on terrorism.

Terrorism Early Warning Participating Agencies and Functions

The following local, state, and federal agencies are represented in the TEW Group:

NEW ORLEANS OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY
• Responsible for leading, directing, and supervising all TEW functions

NEW ORLEANS POLICE DEPARTMENT
• Analysis, assessment, synthesis of intelligence information

NEW ORLEANS FIRE DEPARTMENT
• Responsible for development of Courses of Action (COA’s) to resolve incident

JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
• Analysis, assessment, synthesis of intelligence information

JEFFERSON PARISH EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
• Responsible for development of Courses of Action (COA’s) to resolve incidents

ST. BERNARD SHERIFF’S OFFICE
• Provide the TEW with up-to-date information related to Capabilities and Intentions

FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (FBI)
• Provide the TEW with up-to-date information related to Capabilities and Intentions

JOINT TERRORISM TASK FORCE (JTTF)
• Provide the TEW with up-to-date information related to Capabilities and Intentions

PLAQUEMINES PARISH SHERIFF’S OFFICE
• Provide the TEW with up-to-date information related to Capabilities and Intentions

PORT OF NEW ORLEANS HARBOR POLICE
• Provide the TEW with up-to-date information related to Capabilities and Intentions

LOUISIANA STATE POLICE
• Provide analysis, assessment, synthesis of intelligence information