NBC TESTS HOMELAND SECURITY SYSTEMS:

As was described in an NBC news story on Friday, August 13, 2004, all law enforcement agencies should be aware an NBC news crew attempted to rent a helicopter in Southern Illinois yesterday.  This was an attempt to test homeland security systems.  The two reporters had razor blades. duct tape, and other suspicious items in their possession and sought to hire a private pilot to fly around the St. Louis Arch and Busch Stadium.  Their actions seems suspicious to the aviation business, who notified the FBI. The reporters were detained prior to the flight by local police and the Springfield, Illinois, FBI JTTF.  They were cooperative with JTTF investigators who found documents in their possession describing the plan for this to be featured in an NBC program.  These documents also suggest there may be other attempts to test or document private aviation security in other parts of the country. Although significant police services were expended to establish the credibility of this threat, no charges have been filed at the present time, however the matter is presently under review.