Gov. Rick Scott and stateLaw Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey on Thursday joined federal officials in committing Florida to join the If You See Something, Say Something campaign backed by the federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The DHS and the state will launch a media campaign to run public service announcements providing a toll free number -- 1-855-FLA-SAFE (1-855-352-7233) -- for Floridians to report suspicious activities. Besides television and radio ads, the state will be running signs in public places and the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association has donated billboard space across the Sunshine State.
Our nations security is a shared responsibility and every citizen plays a critical role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities and threats, said DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano. The new partnership between Florida and DHS on the If You See Something, Say Something campaign will help to create a more safe and secure homeland.
The campaign, which was first set up by the the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) before being picked up by the DHS, has partnered with many businesses as well as government agencies since being launched.
Reports generated from the phone number will be processed through the Florida Fusion Center which is manned 24 hours a day by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
At a media event on Thursday in Tallahassee, Scott stressed the importance of this service, especially as the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks looms.
As we draw closer to the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, there is no better time to remember the many lives lost that day a decade ago, and to remind citizens of the need to remain vigilant, said Scott. This is another tool that citizens and tourists can use to contact authorities when they witness something they know is out of place.
Florida has sophisticated domestic security and information-sharing systems in place and we are safer than ever before, said Bailey. Prevention is our first priority, and people who report suspicious activity help us identify and address potential threats early on.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or at (850) 727-0859.
