Rep. Carter: "If you see something, say something."

If you see something, say something: This statement-turned slogan is one that the United States Department of Homeland Security has promoted for years, turning it into a common-place saying in homes across the country.

In advocating for the courage to speak up, this campaign instills the notion that it “takes a community to protect a community;” that attentive communities are key to keeping our nation safe as a whole. Only you know what constitutes an everyday situation in your neighborhood, so if you see something you know shouldn’t be there, or someone’s behavior that seems suspicious, tell a local emergency response or law enforcement officer, figure of authority, or call 911.

When we consider safety everyone else’s responsibility, it becomes no one’s. It takes working together for the common good to notice the details that make a difference; and stepping up to the tasks that make a leader and a hero.

As an ardent supporter of this campaign, I endeavor to bring greater awareness to Connecticut during the upcoming legislative session that convenes in February. I plan to pursue legislation that provides adequate protection for those who come forward to help our state’s protectors, as no one should be punished for striving to be safe, instead of sorry.

I encourage all my constituents to take time to deliberate in abnormal situations, but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in.

For more information about the “See Something, Say Something” campaign, please visit www.dhs.gov/see-something-say-something. I look forward to representing the towns and residents of Redding, Bethel, Danbury and Newtown regarding this campaign and encourage constituents to contact me with ideas, questions or concerns. I can be reached at Dan.Carter@housegop.ct.gov or (800) 842-1423.