[VIDEO] New App Helps New Yorkers Fight Terrorism

By Wendy Mitchell & Lanning Taliaferro

New York State Police recently announced a new app people can download to help keep communities safer by providing an easy way for residents to report suspicious activity.

The See Something Send Something free app allows users to anonymously report suspicious activity and is available for download here for iPhone and Android users.

Here’s a statement from NY State Police:

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced two new efforts to enhance the New York State’s ability to fight terrorism. The new “See Something, Send Something” campaign encourages New Yorkers to report suspicious activity through a simple mobile app on their smart phone.

Additionally, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority will hire 46 more Police Officers to increase counter-terrorism capabilities at Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station and throughout the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road and Staten Island Railway systems.

“These new efforts are essential pieces in our fight against terrorism,” Governor Cuomo said. “We have stepped up our preparedness in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, and we continue to remain vigilant against those who seek to spread fear and violence.”

In order to keep the app focused on safety, users should report only suspicious behavior and situations (e.g., an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place) rather than beliefs, thoughts, ideas, expressions, associations, or speech unrelated to terrorism or other criminal activity. The app does not replace 911 and should not to be used for someone needing immediate police action or to report an emergency.

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D’Amico said, “The crime-solving, tip-sharing process is evolving and so are the New York State Police. This app works just like a traditional telephone crime tip line or hotline, except it is available with the touch of a finger on a handheld device.”

John P. Melville, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner, said, “It is important to remember that all New Yorkers have a role in keeping our state safe. Citizens have an obligation to report suspicious activity if they see something out of the ordinary or something that may have the potential to harm others.”

All members of the MTA Police Department have been trained in techniques to counter active shooters, such as those who have been implicated in recent terrorist attacks elsewhere in the world.

In addition, more than 90 percent of frontline personnel in all MTA operating agencies have been trained in how to protect their customers and themselves from an active shooter.

MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast said, “The MTA Police Department is a robust force of more than 700 officers dedicated to protecting our region’s rail transportation, and these dozens of new officers will bolster our regular counterterrorism patrols of high-visibility terminals.”

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services has provided information on how to prevent terrorism and spot suspicious activity here.

Safety Tips include:

• Know the normal routines of where you live and work.
• Be aware of what is going on around you, including suspicious or out of place individuals, vehicles, mail, packages; or luggage abandoned in a crowded place, such as an airport of shopping mall.
• Be suspicious of individuals recording, watching or unusually photographing or monitoring activities, especially near critical infrastructure.