Terrorism Awareness

Terrorism Awareness

If You See Something, Say Something

Informed, alert communities play a critical role in keeping our nation safe.  "If You See Something, Say Something™" is a national campaign that raises public awareness of the indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, as well as the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement.  We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

The Department of Homeland Security

Suspicious activity is any observed behavior that could indicate terrorism or terrorism-related crime.  This includes, but is not limited to:

• Unusual items or situations: A vehicle is parked in an odd location, a package/luggage is unattended, a window/door is open that is usually closed, or other out-of-the-ordinary situations occur.
• Eliciting information: A person questions individuals at a level beyond curiosity about a building’s purpose, operations, security procedures and/or personnel, shift changes, etc.
• Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes extended loitering without explanation (particularly in concealed locations); unusual, repeated, and/or prolonged observation of a building (e.g., with binoculars or video camera); taking notes or measurements; counting paces; sketching floor plans, etc.

Some of these activities could be innocent—it's up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation. The activities above are not all-inclusive, but have been compiled based on studies of pre-operational aspects of both successful and thwarted terrorist events over several years.

HOW TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY

Public safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority.

Describe specifically what you observed, including:

• Who or what you saw
• When you saw it
• Where it occurred
• Why it's suspicious

To report suspicious activity at Kent State University, contact police services at 330-672-2212.  You can also click on the link below to report anonymously online.

Kent State University Threat Line