For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the expansion of the “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign to the city of Chicago and Cook County, Ill.
“Public awareness and participation in our homeland security efforts are essential to keeping our local communities safe,” said Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. “Whether you are in downtown Chicago at Navy Pier or jogging down the city’s new 606 Park, we all play a role in protecting our neighborhoods and communities. I applaud Cook County Board President Preckwinkle and Chicago Mayor Emanuel for joining the “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign.”
“If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign materials will be visible throughout Chicago and Cook County in public buildings, transit systems and on mobile apps. In addition “If You See Something, Say Something™” materials will be noticeable at Wrigley and U.S. Cellular Fields.
The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign—originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign—is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.
The Department launched the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign in conjunction with the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative—an administration effort to train state and local law enforcement to recognize behaviors and indicators related to terrorism and terrorism-related crime; standardize how those observations are documented and analyzed; and ensure the sharing of those reports with the Federal Bureau of Investigation-led Joint Terrorism Task Forces for further investigation and fusion centers for analysis.
The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign has grown to include partnerships with numerous sports teams and leagues, transportation agencies, private sector partners, states, municipalities, and colleges and universities. DHS also has “If You See Something, Say Something™” Public Service Announcements which have been distributed to television and radio stations across the country.
DHS will continue to expand the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign nationally to ensure America’s businesses, communities, and citizens remain vigilant and play an active role in keeping the country safe.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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