If You See Something Say Something

In March 2011, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced an expansion of expanding the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign in an effort to help ensure safety and security of the American public.

The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign was originally implemented by New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign. It is a simple and effective program to engage the public to identify and report indicators of terrorism, crime and other threats to law enforcement authorities.

Certain activities, especially those at or near sensitive facilities including government, military or other high profile sites or places where large numbers of people congregate, may indicate terrorist planning phases. Suspicious activities of interest that should be reported to law enforcement are commonly referred to as the 7 Signs of Terrorism.

Surveillance:

Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.

Elicitation:

Attempts to obtain operation, security and personnel-related information regarding a key facility. May be made by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone or in person.

Tests of Security:

Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

Acquiring Supplies:

Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges or the equipment to manufacture false identification.

Suspicious Persons:

Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to their behavior, including unusual questions or statements they make.

Dry Runs/Trial Runs:

Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

Deploying Assets:

Placing people, equipment and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.

Report a Threat to The Arlington Police: 781-643-1212

United States Department of Homeland Security

National Counterterrorism Center