Across the country, in our communities, we share everyday moments with our neighbors, family, coworkers, and friends. We go to work or school, the grocery store, or the gas station. It's easy to overlook these routine moments, but as you’re going about your day, if you see something that doesn't seem quite right, say something. By being alert and reporting suspicious activity to your local law enforcement, you can protect your family, neighbors, and community.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Terrorism is an enduring, persistent, worldwide threat to our nation and the readiness of the Virginia National Guard. VANG forces must seek to understand the threat and impact a terrorist or violent extremist attack could have on VANG personnel, and our warfighting capability. Reporting of suspicious is a key component to the security of our homeland. With the help of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative (NSI), the campaign has identified indicators of terrorism-related suspicious activity. 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 important to consider the context of the situation. It’s then up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigation.
We can all help keep our communities safe by paying attention to our surroundings and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement or a person of authority. For more information click on the link under Force protection Resources titled “See Something Say Something Indicator infographic”.
