Homicide Bombers
Terrorists will continue to use what works. Their past behavior dictates that in homicide bombings, IEDs and VBIEDs are their death devices of choice, but they will modify target preferences based on susceptibleness.
Conclusion
"ACE" is not an exhaustive list of indicators for a homicide bomber, and each criteria - standing alone - may or may not generate suspicion. "ACE" serves as a memory retention method whereby the officer can use the acronym to help them place their observations into a meaningful categorization for building reasonable suspicion eventually leading to probable cause depending on the circumstances. In light of what has been learned, here is the least you need to know:
- The psychological phenomenon of committing suicide while murdering is thousands of years old.
- Anywhere people congregate can be a potential target for a homicide bomber.
- Homicide bombers attacking targets in the U.S. is a likelihood. The police here need to have capability to address this threat.
- Traditionally, buses, trains and planes have been ripe targets.
- Terrorists will modify their attack preferences based on the security poster of the location.
- Homicide bombers can be men, women, and children of any age, race or ethnicity. Using who they are is not effective tactic. What they are doing and how they are doing it is.
- Use the "ACE" method or something else that will help you recall information and make sense out of what you are seeing, quickly.
- Have a functional grip on the legal requirements of Reasonable Suspicion and Probable Cause.
