Terrorism appN.Y. State Police app helps citizens report suspicious activity

Published 25 November 2015

The New York State Police is urging citizens to download a new digital app which allows citizens to capture and report suspicious activity with their smart phones. The app is part of the “See Something, Send Something” campaign which aims to turn willing citizens into the eyes and ears of law enforcement. For example, if a citizen notices an unattended package at a train station of an airport, they could use the app to alert law enforcement.

The New York State Police is urging citizens to download a new digital app which allows citizens to capture and report suspicious activity with their smart phones.

The Goothamist reports that the app is part of the “See Something, Send Something” campaign which aims to turn willing citizens into the eyes and ears of law enforcement. For example, if a citizen notices an unattended package at a train station of an airport, they could use the app to alert law enforcement.

If you see something that may be linked to terrorism, send something,” State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico said. “Your tip could provide valuable information that could prevent a tragedy.”

Officials stressed that the new tool is not meant to replace, but rather supplement, already-existing methods used to convey information to police – and that the app is not intended to replace emergency 911 calls.

Delaware County Undersheriff Craig DuMond told GovTech he was pleased to learn that the state police are

promoting the “See Something, Send Something” app, noting his agency has had its own mobile alert app available for about two years.

Our intelligence experts tell us that are best defense is the people out on the streets, reporting the things that they see,” DuMond said. “We need to be vigilant. Groups such as ISIS are actively trying to recruit sympathizers and wannabes on social media networks.”

The new app is available for free to iPhone and Android phone users. In a video on the New York State government Web site, a spokesman for the state police says:

By using the app, which can be downloaded for free for iPhone and Android phone users, there is no worry about who to send the tip to or what phone number to call — users can simply send a photo of the suspicious activity using their device’s camera, by choosing a photo from its library, or sending a written note. It also includes information on what to look for and when to report suspicious activity. The service is already available in Colorado, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

In order to keep the app focused on safety, users should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity. The app does not replace 911 and should not to be used for someone needing immediate police action or to report an emergency. In the case of an immediate threat or emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.