"See something, say something:" Gov. Walker encourages public awareness during holiday season

Governor Scott Walker joined Major General Don Dunbar, law enforcement representatives, and representatives from the Wisconsin Homeland Security Council Wednesday, December 2nd to remind Wisconsin citizens to be vigilant this holiday season and report any suspicious activity.

“It’s incredibly important for Wisconsinites to be aware of their surroundings, especially during the holiday season when we attend special events, shop for our loved ones, and travel,” Governor Walker said.  “If you see something that doesn’t look right or someone is acting suspicious, contact the local authorities.  Please don’t hesitate to speak up.  Citizen tips help our law enforcement officers do their job to keep Wisconsin and our communities safe.”

In 2012, Governor Walker launched the “See Something, Say Something” campaign in Wisconsin.  The national “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  This simple and effective program raises public awareness of indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime and emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement.

“The role of law enforcement is to protect our state and our nation.  However, everyone can help by reporting suspicious activities,” said Major General Don Dunbar, the Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor.  “Suspicious activities could be an unattended backpack or briefcase in a public place, a vehicle that is parked in a strange location, or someone who is acting unusual.”

The Wisconsin “See Something, Say Something” campaign is coordinated by the state’s two fusion centers – the Southeastern Wisconsin Threat Analysis Center (STAC) in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Statewide Information Center (WSIC) in Madison.  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.

If someone sees something suspicious, they should contact their local law enforcement by dialing 9-1-1.  Information can also be submitted through Wisconsin’s “See Something, Say Something” campaign called WiWatch.

Tips can either be submitted electronically and anonymously at www.wiwatch.org or by calling a law enforcement agent at 1-877-WI-WATCH (1-877-949-2824).