State Cops Will Run Security Checks to Protect Public Holiday Celebrations

Throughout the upcoming holidays, members of Troop K will be conducting security checks on locations connected to holiday celebrations — including places of worship, transportation stations, retail facilities, and vehicle rental facilities, law enforcement officials said.

Communities may notice troopers on patrol during this time period simply as a part of New York's counter-terrorism strategy to remain vigilant and highly visible.

State police are also asking members of the public to be mindful of behavior that does not match the usual pattern of activity that is found within your daily lives.

If you notice unattended suspicious packages, suspicious activity or videotaping, photographing, or sketching of mass transit infrastructure, please do not hesitate to contact law enforcement.

If you observe suspicious activity, do not confront the individual(s). Try to remember as many details of their suspicious activity as possible, and contact police immediately by calling 911 or the Safe NY Tipline at 1-866-SAFE-NYS.

Additionally, you can alert authorities by using the See Something, Send Something App if you see a potential threat.

The mobile app is now a year old. It was unveiled in 2015 to make it easy to report suspicious activity on a smart phone.

The app is available for free download here for iPhone and Android users. It is the latest addition to the state’s ”See Something, Say Something” campaign. It allows anyone with a mobile device to quickly send a note or a photo -- say, of an unattended backpack -- to the New York Intelligence Center.

The app does not replace 911. Nor is it for opinions or ideas.

Image via New York State