“If You See Something, Say Something” Campaign: Empowering Communities to Stay Vigilant

The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign, initiated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is a nationwide effort to raise public awareness about recognizing and reporting signs of terrorism and suspicious activities. This campaign underscores the critical role that ordinary citizens play in maintaining the safety of their communities by being vigilant and proactive.

Origins and Development

The slogan “If You See Something, Say Something” was originally developed by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. In July 2010, the MTA licensed the slogan to DHS to implement a national campaign aimed at combating terrorism through community awareness and engagement [❞] [❞].

Awareness and Education

DHS and its partners use a variety of media to disseminate the campaign’s message, including public service announcements on television and radio, print materials, and online resources. The campaign educates the public on recognizing suspicious behaviors that may indicate pre-operational planning of terrorist activities, such as unusual interest in high-security locations or unattended bags in public places [❞] [❞].

Reporting Suspicious Activities

To report suspicious activities, individuals are encouraged to contact local law enforcement or use designated tip lines available in many states. DHS provides resources and an interactive map to help citizens find the appropriate reporting channels for their location [❞].

National “If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day

September 25 is designated as National “If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day, also known as #SeeSayDay. On this day, DHS and its partners promote the importance of vigilance and reporting through various activities and social media campaigns. The public is encouraged to take the “Pledge to Protect” their communities by learning to recognize and report suspicious activities [❞] [❞].

Community Involvement and Resources

Organizations and individuals can participate in the campaign by downloading ready-to-use materials from the DHS website, which include posters, social media content, and informational brochures. These resources are available in multiple languages to ensure broad accessibility. By spreading awareness and encouraging proactive reporting, the campaign aims to enhance national security and foster a culture of vigilance [❞] [❞].

For more information on how to get involved or to access campaign materials, visit the DHS website [❞].