Gov. Scott Walker speaks during a press conference at the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs on Friday, Dec. 15 concerning the “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign. Walker and other law enforcement and Wisconsin Homeland Security representatives spoke of how even small bits of information can prevent or solve crimes, and how to get that information to the proper authorities. Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs photo by Vaughn R. Larson
MADISON, Wis. — Gov. Scott Walker joined Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, law enforcement officers, FBI, and representatives from the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council today to discuss the public’s role in keeping communities safe.
The Department of Homeland Security’s “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign encourages citizens to report suspicious behavior or activities to local law enforcement, which has proved instrumental in preventing dangerous crimes.
“Our nation’s law enforcement do incredible work to keep us all safe each and every day, but they can’t be everywhere at once — that’s where the ‘If You See Something, Say Something’ campaign comes in,” Walker said. “So as we begin this holiday season and enjoy spending time with our loved ones, we also encourage everyone to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to local authorities. Similar to a neighborhood watch, these civilian tips help our law enforcement better do their jobs in preventing crime and keeping others safe.”
In September 2012, Walker, former Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen, Dunbar and officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security unveiled Wisconsin’s “See Something, Say Something™” campaign. This included the launch of a new website, www.wiwatch.org, a special phone number to reach law enforcement agents at 1-877-949-2824 (877-WI-WATCH), and a statewide awareness campaign. The website and phone number are still operational today and several large venues, such as sporting events, continue to promote “If You See Something, Say Something™”.
“Citizens play an important role in keeping our communities safe,” said Dunbar, Wisconsin’s adjutant general and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security advisor. “Reporting suspicious activities to law enforcement such as an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place, a vehicle that is parked in a strange location, or someone who is acting unusual could possibly prevent a tragedy.”
The Wisconsin “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign is coordinated by the state’s two fusion centers — the Wisconsin Statewide Information Center (WSIC) in Madison and the Southeastern Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center (STAC) in Milwaukee. Both fusion centers serve local, county, and state public safety customers by sharing intelligence, offering training on the behaviors and indicators of terrorism, protecting Wisconsin’s critical infrastructure through risk assessments, and analyzing national threat information as it relates to Wisconsin.
For more information on the “If You See Something, Say Something™” initiative, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website https://www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something.
