PROTECTIVE STATE Poem by Alfred Schaffer

‘I was shopping and all of a sudden I saw a rucksack, completely unattended in a busy street. Just after I'd called the police, a boy came running up.'
Mrs. Berends in the leaflet: What is being done about terrorism? And what can you do?
I

The probability that a terrorist* is living in your neighbourhood is very small.
People don't just turn into terrorists from one day to the next.
Is your child drawn to radical ideas?
Talk to him or her about it.
People behaving suspiciously* are closely observed.
People who think they don't have a future*
can also pose a risk. More than we can say.
This is why special attention is paid to places* where radicalisation arises.
We tap. We infiltrate. We collect and study
information on suspicious people and groups.
There are laws about what the government can and can't do.
Laws are adapted to enable us to combat terrorism more effectively.
We can get to the other end of the country in a matter of minutes.
We respond immediately.
You cannot always tell from someone's appearance* whether he or she is a terrorist.


II

We know a lot* and we do a lot.
Security is tighter in situations of increased risk.
We look for evidence* that can be used in court.
The public prosecutor cannot always tell precisely whether
the evidence will be sufficient for a conviction.
Everyone has the right to express his or her opinion.
You'll understand that it isn't good to say too much.
The level can change* over time. My colleagues* and I
work in shifts. We keep an eye on things 24 hours a day.
More than 200,000 professionals work together.
This might be in schools but also in prisons or on the internet.
We also come into contact with people who appear to be going off the rails
or developing unhealthy ideas*.
More than we can say.
Fortunately we have not yet had to deal with a serious situation.


III

Everyone* must obey the law.
Be particularly on your guard in situations where many people gather.
Proceed as quickly as possible to an open space. In case of an attack,
turn on the radio or television regularly for information.
If it is dark, do not use matches or lighters.
You might happen to overhear people talking
and their words might seem suspicious?
A van* that has been parked in your street for two weeks
doesn't have to mean anything. But it might. More than we can say.
Pay attention to the exits and escape routes in every* building.
Protect yourself from flying or falling objects.
If you are not seriously injured, help as many other people as possible.
Do not go and look at the site of the attack. Don't gather in groups*.
Another bomb may go off.
We have to ensure that networks are not overloaded.


IV

Should we worry?
Most likely someone was just a bit forgetful and there is no risk.
If there is a threat, my colleagues and I receive a text message
so that we know exactly* what to do. More than we can say.
The containers' contents can be seen via a scan.
We are able to see then what is inside, just like on an x-ray.
Any unknown* airplane flying above our country is spotted immediately.
We are developing a machine that can see through clothing.
The full shape* of a knife or pistol will be visible,
unlike with a metal detector. There is no reason for panic.
It is important to continue to respect* and trust one another.
To keep talking* to local residents.
If necessary, we will stop the train. We can't be careful enough.
It is important that our lives aren't ruled by fear.
More information is also available in a larger font.