A new police unit in Stamford is beefing up patrols at sites considered potential terrorist targets.

The seven-member Homeland Security Unit will focus on train stations, bus terminals and international corporate buildings. The task force will also handle natural disasters and non-criminal threats in the area.

The unit is funded by a $565,000 federal grant secured after 9/11. The grant will pay the members salaries for three years, after which the police department will pick up the tab for one additional year.