Informed and alert communities play a critical role in keeping our country safe. The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign engages the public in protecting our homeland through awareness–building, partnerships and outreach. The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security (EMRS) is committed to strengthening security by creating partnerships with state and local governments, transit agencies and the private sector and, most critically, the communities we serve.
The "If You See Something, Say Something™" campaign emphasizes a public awareness of signs and behaviors that can aid law enforcement in the discovery of potential terrorist activity. Suspicious activity can include, but is not limited to:
- Unusual items or situations: a vehicle parked in an odd location; an unattended package or backpack.
- Information gathering: A person questioning individuals beyond simple curiosity about a building’s operations, security, shift changes or personnel.
- Observation: Someone paying unusual attention to a facility, beyond a casual or professional interest. This includes loitering, as well as prolonged and repeated visits. It may also involve documenting these visits with a camera or extensive notes, measurements and sketches.
If you notice suspicious activity, report it to:
- Describe what or who you observed
- When you saw it
- Where it occurred
- Why it appears suspicious