Homeland Security and protection begins right here in the heart of Bridgeport. To harness the strength of the American citizens in the fight against terrorism and crime, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has established the “See Something Say Something” campaign –a simple and effective program to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and violent crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper state and local law enforcement authorities.

It can be difficult to know what “something suspicious” looks like – but trust yourself when something doesn’t feel quite right.

SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR
Race, gender or religious affiliations are not indicators of suspicious behavior. Look for signs of reconnaissance or equipment tampering. Don’t be afraid to report any of the following:

• People who stay at bus or train stations for long periods without getting on.
• Anyone tampering with surveillance cameras, safety systems, machinery or other sensitive equipment.
• People videotaping, sketching or taking notes on transit equipment and facilities or security equipment.
• People entering unauthorized areas.
• People carrying aerosol containers or anything omitting a strange smell or gas.
• Evasive answers to common questions regarding destinations; deliberate attempts to avoid contact with others or to draw attention.
• Loose fitting clothing, large sweatshirt, vest or jacket in hot weather conditions. Clothing that is disproportionate to the body type of the person.
• Attempts to abandon a vehicle in or near a transit parking facility, or cars in the parking lot without proper tags and license plates.
• An individual who is fixated only on a particular object or location.
• Suspicious activity or loitering around transportation facilities.
SUSPICIOUS OBJECTS
Unattended briefcases or bags may simply be forgotten or discarded items – but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be afraid to report any of the following:
• Bags, boxes or other packages left unattended on buses and trains, in stores and business offices —especially if partially hidden or in unusual locations.
• Exposed wiring, leaks, strange smells or other signs of potential tampering.
• Suspicious carry-on items such as large backpacks, gym bags and luggage weighing more than normal.

IF YOU OBSERVE SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOR:
DO NOT take direct action
DO NOT confront the individual
DO NOT reveal your suspicions
DO record as many details as possible
DO notify appropriate authorities as soon as   possible
DO NOT touch or move any suspicious objects
DO NOT use a cell phone or radio in the direct vicinity
DO evacuate the area to a safe distance
DO notify appropriate authorities as soon as possible

 

Once you see something, how do you say something? Call 9-1-1 or the Bridgeport Police Department at 304-842-8260.   Tell the authorities who, when and where you saw something, and specifically what you saw. Be sure to note a vehicle description and physical characteristics of the individual(s). Explain why you thought there was cause for suspicion.