The nationwide "If You See Something, Say Something™" public awareness campaign was created to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime, and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper local law enforcement authorities.

Report suspicious activities to your local law enforcement agency.

The recent airport shooting in Florida that injured six people and killed five highlights the importance of this campaign and how imperative it is to maintain heightened awareness of suspicious activities, people or packages.  If you see something suspicious taking place, report the behavior or activity to local law enforcement or, in the case of emergency, call 9-1-1. Never try to handle or intervene in the situation on your own – let trained authorities take the proper steps.

Recognizing Suspicious People

Suspicious people may often be identified by their behavior. While no one behavioral activity is proof that someone is planning to act inappropriately, these factors can help you assess whether someone poses a threat. Behavioral factors to watch for include: Nervousness, nervous glancing or other signs of mental discomfort/being ill-at-ease. This may include sweating or "tunnel vision" (staring forward inappropriately). Inappropriate, oversize, loose-fitting clothes (e.g., a heavy overcoat on a warm day). Keeping hands in pockets or cupping hands (e.g., holding a triggering device). Constantly favoring one side or one area of the body as if wearing something unusual/uncomfortable (e.g., a holster). Pay attention to a person constantly adjusting waistbands, ankles, or other clothing. Suicide bombers have been known to repeatedly pat themselves to verify that the bomb vest or belt is still attached.  

Recognizing Suspicious Mail or Packages

Suspicious mail or packages may contain:

•Restrictive markings.

•Misspelled, badly typed or poorly written words.

•Unidentifiable powder or suspicious substance(s).

•Oily stains or discolorations on package.

•Excessive tape.

•Strange odor.

•Excessive postage.

•Incorrect title or addressed to title only.

•Rigid or unusually bulky packages.

•Protruding wires.

•No return address.

If you observe or receive a suspicious letter or package: Don’t handle the package. Isolate it immediately – make sure no one else touches it. Don’t open, smell, or taste it. Notify law enforcement. If you suspect the mail or package contains an explosive device, or radiological, biological, or chemical threat: Evacuate the area immediately. Call 911. Wash your hands with soap and water. Be vigilant of your surroundings and if you see something, say something.  Report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency, such as police department or sheriff’s office, or the Colorado Information Analysis Center at 1-877-509-2422 or submit a report online at http://report.ciac.co.gov/.